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Keim's Illustrated Hand -Book. 



VASHINGTON and its ENVIRONS! 



5CRIPTIVE AND HISTORICAL HAND-BOOK 



I 



TO TH» 



CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



BY DeB. RANDOLPH KEIM, 

Washington Correspondent ^ 

AUTHOR or " Sheridan's troopers on the borders," and "skitchii 

OF SAN DOMINGO." 



REVISED ANNUALLY. JJ-^'X^^ / 

EIGHTH EDITION.—Corrected to JanuaryrKVe. 



WASHINGTON CITY: 
FOR THE COMPILER. 

1876. 

)> 



Entered according to Act ot Congress, in the year 1876, 

BT DbB. RANDOLPH KEIM, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at WashingtocL. 



. NOTICE. — The compiler cautions all persons against infringement of copy- 
right of any of his publications, whether in maps, diagrams, illustrations, where 
originals, or in the material, or arrangement. Any such infringement will be rigor" 
ously prosecuted under the copyright law. 



B. P. OWEN, 

PRINTER, 

READING, PA. 




CONTENTS. 

[See Alphabetical Index at the end of the Hand-book.] 



Page. 

Preface v 

GENERAii Information vii 

Hotels, vii— Lodgings, vii— Boarding, viii— Restaurants, viii — 
Railroads, viii — Steamers, ix— Street Cars, ix — Vehicles for 
hire, xii— City Post Office, xii— Mails, xii— Rates of Postage, 
xiii — Telegraph Offices, xiii — Churches, xiii — Theatres, Xiv — 
General Amusements, xiv— Etiquette, Ceremonies, and For- 
malities, xiv — Distances from Washington, xix — Foreign Dis- 
tances, xix— Differences of Time, xx. 

Section I. 
Washington and the District of Columbia 1 

Washington, 1— District of Columbia, 5. 

Section II. 
Description OF the City 15 

Avenues, Squares, Statues, &c. 

Section III. 
Public Buildings and Grounds 55 

Historical Retrospect, 55 — Capitol, 56 — History of Congress, 
118— President's House, 121— Department of State, 128— Treas- 
ury Department, 131— War Department, 136— Navy Depart- 
ment, 140— Department of the Interior, 142 — Patent Office, 
145— General Post Office, 151— Department of Justice, 154 — 
Department of Agriculture, 156— Naval Observatory, 163— 
Army Medical Musuem, 166 — Government Printing Office, 
168— Winder's Building, 170— City Hall, 171— Arsenal, 172— 
Navy- Yard, 174 — Marine Barracks, 176— Magazines, 177. 

Section IV. 
v^ACES OF General Interest 178 

Smithsonian Institution, 178— Corcoran Gallery of Art, 189 — 
Washington National Monument, 192-Armory, 196~Churche8, 
197— Halls, 198— Newspaper Offices, 199— Public Schools, 201— 
A-sylums, 202— Cemeteries, 205— District Government, 207r- 
*Iarkets, 209— Places of Historical Interest, 210. 

(iii) 



IV CONTENTS. 

Section V. 
The Environs of Washington 211 

Section VI. 

History of Washington 234 

Index..... 244 




PEEFACE. 



The necessity of a reliable and complete Descriptive 
AND Historical Hand-book to the Capital of the 
United States has long been felt. Warden's Geographical 
and Statistical Description of the District of Columbia, pub- 
lished in Paris in 1816, and the several editions of the Guides 
compiled by William Elliott, 1826 and 1830, and George Wat- 
terson, 1848, are really the only ones which possess the merit 
of original research. The productions of a similar character 
published since 1848, and especially the later ones, have been 
crude and imperfect, impositions in character and price, and 
noticeable only as containing the smallest amount of informa- 
tion for the largest amount of money. 

The compiler of the present work hopes to avoid these 
objections at least, and to give to the public a Hand-BOOK 
of attractive and useful descriptive information about all 
places of interest in and around Washington, and at the 
same time to supply some appropriate historical data which 
may be valuable to carrj'^ away as a souvenir of a visit to the 
Seat of Government. 

In the preparation of the historical portions of tlie Hand- 
book TO Washington and its Environs, original author- 
ities only have been examined, including the manuscript rec- 
ords, correspondence, and proceedings of the Commissioners 
charged with the superintendence of the building of the city, 
1791-1800 ; the correspondence of George Washington, Thom- 
as Jefferson, and others on the same subject ; tlie Statutes at 
Lai'ge ; official documents, from the establishment of the per- 
manent Seat of Government down to the present time; besides 
the writings of travelers and public men and files of news- 
papers. 

Respecting the descriptive features, all points of interest 
in the city and surroundings, still in existence, have been 
personall}'" visited and inspected. 

It is hoped, therefore, that the Hand-book will prove not 
only an invaluable companion on the spot, but an ever-wel- 
come and entertaining friend for future perusal and refer- 
ence at the home fireside. 

The compiler is under obligations to many of the officers 

(V) 



VI PREFACE. 

of the Government ; and while desiring to recognize their 
kindness, finds it difficult to make distinctions by indi\idiials : 
he therefore thanks them all. 

The general information has been compiled with special 
reference to the necessities of the stranger in the city, and, 
in connection with other useful matter, will be found to con- 
tain trustworthy intelligence respecting railways, hotels, 
churches, theatres, &c. The code of Etiquette in Washing- 
ton and Street-car Directory will be found particularly con- 
venient and valuable. 

The remaining features of the Hand-book will appear as 
the reader familiarizes himself with its contents. 

In a city like the capital of such a constantly expanding 
Republic as the United States of America there are never- 
ending changes. To keep pace with these, it is the intention 
to annually revise and augment the HAND-BOOK TO Wash- 
ington AND ITS Environs, so as to keep it at all times cor- 
rected to the latest period. 

The compiler does not presume that the Hand-book is 
faultless ; but to approximate such a degree of completeness, 
as far as practicable, will constantly be his endeavor. He 
will therefore be grateful for any errors or omissions pointed 
out or corrections suggested. These may be communicated 
by letter. 

DeB. R. K. 

Washington, D. C, 1874. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. 




I HOSE who are influenced by a desire to visit the 
National Capital, when most attractive in point 
of beauty of nature and art, and without reference 
to the fashionable and congressional season, should 
arrive in May or June, or October or November. 
The hottest months are July and August. The 

winters, on the other hand, are generally mild and beautiful. 

The health of the city at all seasons is unexceptionable. For 

oflScial and social seasons see Etiquette. 

Hotels, — The National Capital has a number of hotels, 
some of which will compare favorably with the best in the 
country. They are all located upon or conveniently acces- 
sible to the different lines of street cars connecting the Ex- 
ecutive Departments with the Capitol and western and east- 
ern portions of the city. The following are the principal 
hotels and charges per daj'- : The Arlington^ Vermont av., 
near H st. N., $5; Ehhitt, F st., corner of 14th st. W., 84 00 ; 
Willa7'ds\ Pennsylvania av., corner of 14th st. W., $4 50; 
Metropolitan^ Pennsjdvania av., bet\^'een 6tli and 7th sts. W., 
$4; Imperial^ E st. N., between 13th and 14th sts. AV., $4; 
and National^ Pennsylvania av., corner of 6th st. W., $4. 
The hotels on the European plan are the St. James^ Penn- 
sylvania av., corner of 6th st. W., single i-ooms, one person, 
$1 to $2 ; double rooms, two persons, $2 to $6 ; the latter in- 
cludes parlor and bed-room; restaui'ant attached; and St. 
Marc, Pennsylvania av., near 7th st. W., single rooms $1 to 
$2, double $2 to $3; restam-ant attached. There are also 
other hotels on the American and European plans suited to 
all classes of persons, and at lower rates. 

Lodgings. — ^Persons desiring to pass some time in Wash- 
ington, and desu'ous of living retired, can find excellent lodg- 
ings in the vicinity of all the hotels, and in different parts of 
the city. The large transient population of the city has cre- 
ated an unusual demand for this style of accommodations, 
and every grade, from elegant suites down to unpretending 
single apartments, may be found. The rates for rooms 

(vu) 



7111 GENERAL INFORMATION. 

would range from $25 for single rooms to $100 and upwards 
a month for suites. Persons remaining less than a month 
can also be supplied with quarters. 

Boarding. — Many houses in which lodgings can be secured 
also provide daily board, ranging from $25 to $35 a month for 
each person. The hotels also accommodate outside boarders 
at $45 a month for each person. 

Restaurants. — A number of excellent restaurants can be 
found in all the business portions of the city. Frequently 
persons find it more convenient to have lodgings and take 
their meals nearest where they may happen to be at the 
hour of dining. The charges at restaurants are about the 
same as at hotels or boarding-houses, according to grade. 
There are several excellent restaurants equal in appoint- 
ments to any in the large cities of the North. Cuisine 
excellent. 

Railroads. — [See Table of Distances.) — Persons departing 
from Washington have a choice of several routes. 

North, East, and West.— Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad — Depot NE. corner of New Jersey av. and C st. 
NW., may be reached by the blue cars on Pennsylvania av. 
and the F-st. cars. Ticket O^ces, 485 Pennsylvania av. and 
the Depot. 

North, East, and West. — Baltimore and Potomac 
Railroad— Depot SW. corner of B and 6th sts. NW., may 
be reached by street cars on 9th st., and within one square 
on Pennsylvania av. Ticket Offices.^ 13th and 6th sts. and 
Pennsjdvania av. and Depot. 

South and Southwest. — Southern trains leave from 
the Baltimore and Potomac Depot. Travellei-s may also 
leave Washington by the Potomac Ferry Company, at 
the foot of 7th st. W., and take trains at the corner of King 
and Union sts., Alexandria, for Richmond and New Orleans. 
Transfer coaches convey passengers from the Baltimore and 
Ohio Depot to the Baltimore and Potomac Depot and Poto- 
mac Ferry. 

Alexandria. — Local trains on the Alexandria and Wash- 
ington Railroad leave from the Baltimore and Potomac 
Depot about every hour during the da5^ 

Sleeping Cars are attached to all through night trains. 
Tickets may be procured at railroad ticket offices. 

Baggage will be called for and checked to all the princi- 
pal cities of the United States, by leaving orders at the rail- 
road ticket ofl[ices. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. IX 

Steamers.— Alexandria — The Washington and Al- 
exandria Ferry steamers ply hourly each way between 
AVashiiio^ton and Alexandria during the day. Wharf foot of 
7th St., Washington, and King st., Alexandria. Fare, single 
trip 15 cents, round trip 25 cents. 

Mount Vernon. — The steamer for Mount Vernon leaves 
the 7th-st. wharf daily, except Sunday, at 10 A. M. Return- 
ing, arrives at Washington at 4 P.M. Fare, $1.50, and ad- 
mission to mansion and grounds. 

QuANTico. — Potomac Steamboat Company— Steam- 
ers leave daily, at 7 A. M., from the 7th-st. wharf, for Quan- 
tico^ connecting with trains for Richmond and the South. 

Potomac Landings. — Tlie Palisades^ on Mondays and 
Thursdays, 7. A. M., and Pilot Boy^ on Tuesdays and Fridays, 
7 A. M., during navigation, from 7th-st. wharf. 

Baltimore and Intermediate Landings. — Three 
steamers a week, during the season of navigation, leaving 
Mondays, 7 P. M., Tuesdays, 9 p. M., and Fridays, 12 mid- 
night, from the 7tli-st. wharf. 

New York. — The Washington and ISTew York steam- 
ers leave Fridays, from the foot of High st., Georgetown. 

Philadelphia. — Steamers leave Georgetown (Water st.) 
on Tuesdays and Saturda3'S, at 10 A. M., via canal, till navi- 
gation closes. 

Boston and I^orfolk.— Steamers of the Washington, 
Norfolk, and Boston Line leave the 7th-st. wharf Mon- 
days and Thursdays, at 2 p. m., touching at all principal 
landings, and connecting with the Richmond and Boston 
steamers. This line usually suspends during the winter 
months. 

The wharves of all the Washington lines may be reached 
by the 7th-st. horse-cars. 

StT'eet Oars. — All parts of Washington may be reached by 
street-cars. 

Washington and Georgetown Street Railway, incor- 
porated 1S62, cars every 3, 4, and 5 min. during the da}^ start 
on Bridge st., at High, Georgetown, cross Rock Creek over 
a fine iron bridge, follow Pennsjdvania av., passing Mills* 
Statue of Washington, Corcoran Art Gallery, Lafayette 
Square, War Department, President's House, and Treasury. 
At the intei-section of 15th st. W. the}^ connect with the cars 
on the lUh Street and Columbia Railways, Exchange tick- 
ets given for the former. At the S. end of the Treasury 
they again enter Pennsylvania av., which they follow the 
entire length of the business quarter of the city, passing the 
Centre Market and Botanical Garden. At 9th st. W. they 



X GENERAL INFORMATION. 

intercept the Metropolitan line N". and S. ; and at 7th st. W. 
connect with the cars of the 7th st. branch N". and S. On 
the latter exchange tickets are given. At the W.'gate of the 
Capitol grounds one branch turns to the 1. for the Baltimore 
and Ohio Railroad Depot every 10 min. during the day, and 
the other to the r. for the Capitol or Navy Yard^ every 5 min. 
during the day. At the top of the hill a branch carries pas- 
sengers to the E. front of the House^ or S. extension of the 
Capitol. The main line continues along B st. S. to Pennsyl- 
vania av., and thence to 8th st. E., thence passing the Marine 
Barracks to the Kavy Yard. 

Fourteenth-Street Branch, cars every 10 min. dur- 
ing the day, start on ISTew York av. at 15th st. W., l!^E. of 
the Treasury Department, thence to 14th st., thence N". to 
boundary, passing the Fourteenth-Street Circle and State 
Department. Exchange tickets are given on the Pennsylr 
vania av. line. 

Seventh-Street Branch, cars every 4 and 5 min. dur- 
ing the day, start at the boundary, follow the same street 
across the city to the Potomac river, passing the K. Market, 
Mount Vernon Place, Patent and Post Offices, and Odd- 
Fellows' Hall. At Massachusetts av. they intersect the Co- 
lumbia Railway, and at F st. N". the Metropolitan line. On 
Pennsylvania av. they connect with the main line. Ex- 
change tickets given E. or W. The cars now pass the Cen- 
tre Market, cross the Mall, with the Smithsonion grounds on 
r., continuing to the wharves for the Alexandria, Mount 
Vernon, and other steamers. 

Metropolitan Railway, incorporated 1864, cars every 
4 min. during tlie day, start on 17th st., W. of the ISTavy 
and JiTew State Departments, follow 17th st. W., passing the 
State, War, and Navy Departments, and Corcoran Art Gal- 
lery to H St. ; here the Georgetown branch leaves ; thence 
passing Lafayette Square to 14th st. ; thence to F st., inter- 
secting the i4th St. and Columbia Railways at New York 
av. ; connecting with the cars on the 9th st. branch N. and 
S., on which exchange tickets are given, passing the Patent 
and Post Offices, and intersecting the 7th st. line ; thence to 
5th St. ; thence to Louisiana av., passing Judiciary Square ; 
thence to Indiana av., passing the City Hall; thence to C 
St., passing the Baltimore and Ohio depot to Delaware av. ; 
thence to B st. K., where the E. Capitol branch leaves; 
thence to the Senate extension, 

Georgetown and East Capitol Street Branch, cars 
every 6 min. during the day. Same as the main line going 
W. Cars leave that at H and 17th sts. NW. ; thence to Con- 
necticut av. ; thence to P st. at the Circle, intersecting the 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XI 

Connecticut av. and Park Railway ; thence along P st., cross- 
ing Kock Creek over a fine bridge, entering "West St., George- 
town ; tlience to High ; tlience to Fayette, wliere it passes tlie 
Convent of the Visitation ; tlience to 2cl ; thence to High ; 
thence to Dunbarton ; thence to Montgoraerj^ ; thence to 
West, where the return track follows tlie outward, back to 
Washington. The East CajDj'^oZ extension continues on B st. 
N. to 1st E. ; thence to East Capitol st., and thence to Lin- 
coln Square, the present terminus. It will be extended E. 
on the same street to the Anacostia. 

Ninth Street Branch, cars every 7 and 8 min. during 
the day, start at Boundary; thence, pa^shig Mount Vernon 
Place, the Patent Ofiice and Masonic and Lincoln Halls, toB 
St. At N'ew York av. they intersect the Columbia Eailway. 
At F St. exchange tickets are given E. and W. On B st. the 
cars pass the Centre Market, and intersect the 7th st. line. 
On 6th st. they pass the Baltimore and Potomac Depot to Mis- 
souri av. ; thence to 4 J st. ; thence to the Arsenal gate. 

Silver Springs Branch, of Metropolitan road starts at 
the IST. terminus of the 7th st. line, and follows the 7th st. 
road a distance of 1^ m , passing the Scheutzen Park and 
Howard Universit}^, and terminates at present at the road to 
the Soldiers' Home and Kock Creek Church. 

Columbia Railway, incorporated 1870, cars every 10 
min. during the day, start on New York av. at loth st. W., 
NE. of the Treasurj' ; thence to H st. At 14th st. they cross 
the Metropolitan and 14th st. lines ; at 9th st. W. the Metro- 
politan, passing Mount Vernon Place, to Massachusetts av. 
At 7th St. they cross that line ; thence to H st. N. ; thence to 
the boundarj^, passing tlie Government Printing Office. At 
the terminus tlie Baltimore turnpike and Benning's Bridge 
road commence. 

Connecticut Avenue and Park Railway, incorpo- 
rated 1868. The Connecticut av. portion is used by the Me- 
tropolitan line to Georgetown. A car connects at the P st. 
Circle, and runs to boundary. 

Fares. — The rate of fare on the Washington and George- 
town line is 5 cents, to include a transfer or exchange ticket 
on the 14th and 7th st. branches N. and S. The fare on the 
Metropolitan liue is 7 cents for single tickets, or ten for 50 
cents, or on the 9th-st. branch five for 25 cents. Transfers 
N. and S. are given on the 9th-st. branch. The fare on the 
Columbia line is 5 cts. 

Further extensions of existing lines, and the construction 
of new ones, are proposed, in some instances the roadway 
having already been laid. 



Xll GENERAL INFORMATION. 

Vehicles for hire.— Rates of fare established by law for 
hacks, cabs, or other vehicle for hire in the District of Co- 
lumbia. 

Bet. 5 a. m. and Bet. 12.30 a. m. 
12.30 a. m. and 5 a. m. 

For one or two passengers in a one- j Per li'r, 75 cts. Per hour, $1 12. 

horse vehicle. tPertrip,75 cts. Per trip, $1 12. 

For one or two passengers, four- f Per hour, $1 50. Per hour, $2 25. 

seated vehicle drawn by two -(Per trip, ex- Pertrip, exceed- 

horses, within the city. ( ceed'glm.,$l. 1 m., |l 50. 

And for each additional passenger, 50 cts. 
One mile or less, one half these rates. 

For one or two passengers, foui-- p ^ ^^ ^^^ p^^ ^ ^2 25. 

seated vehicle drawn by two per trip, exceed- Per trip, exceed- 
horses, from Washington to or ^ ^^ ^^ ^ ^ ^^ ^3 q^ 

from Georgetown. ' ° ^ -^ . 

And for each additional passenger, 50 cts. 

One mile or less, one half these rates. 

One-horse vehicle does not include buggies and phaetons. 

In all cases where a vehicle is not engaged by the hour, it 
will be considered as being engaged by the trip. 

Special rates are charged for excursions. 

If there should be an overcharge, drive to the nearest police 
station, where officers in charge will immediatelj'' decide the 
case. 

In every case require a ticket of the driver before starting. 

City Post Office. — Grcneral Post Office Building, entrance 
on F St. General Delivery, 6 a. m. to 11 p. m. Box 
Delivery, 7 a. m. to 8 p. m. Sunday, 8 to 10 a. m. and 6 
to 7 P. M: Letter Carriers' Window on r., open 7 to 
8 p. M. Stamp Office on r. Ladies' Window on the 1. 

The Mails.— Eastern — for New York, Philadelphia, Bos- 
ton, &c., due 6.30 A. M., 6 P. M. ; close 7 A. M. 8 P. M. 

Western— tZwe 6.05, 11.30 A. m., 2, 7 P. m. ; dose 6 A. M., 
6.45 P. M. 

SOVTH— due 7.20 A. M., 5, 7.25 P. M. ; close 6 A. M., 5.30, 
9.20 P. M. 

Baltimore, 'Mo.—due 6.05 a. m., 2, 6, 9 p. m. ; close 7, 10 
A. M., 12 M., S p. M. 

Georgetown— c^zie 11.45 a. m., 4.45, 8, 10 p. m. ; close 8 

A.M., 2, 7 P.M. 

Alexandria — due 7.45 a. m., 7.20 p. m. ; close 6 A. m., 
5.30 P. M. 

Foreign :Mails are forwarded daily to Kew York and 
San Francisco. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XIU 

Bates of Postage. — Domestic. — Letters to any part of the 
United States, 3 cents for each J ounce or fraction thereof. 
Letters within any city, 2 cents where free deUvery ; other 
offices, 1 cent. Kegistered Letters, 8 cents registration fee, 
in addition to the regular postage. At least one full rate 
must be paid on letters to secure tlieir transmission. Printed 
books, package limited to 4 lbs., except books pi-inted by or- 
der of Congress, 2 cents for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof. 
Newspapers and magazines 1 cent 2 ounces. All transient 
matter must be prepaid in full by stamps. 

Foreign. — The frequent changes in routes and rates rend- 
ers it advisable to omit a table of "foreign postages. All ne- 
cessary information should be obtained at the Post Office. 

:Money-Orders and Kegistered Letters. — The Mo- 
ney-Order and Kegistered-Letter Departments are open from 
8 A. M. to 4 P. M. No business is transacted in either of these 
departments on Sunday. 

Entrance to Money-Order and Kegistry Departments, from 
F St., door E. of delivery. 

Telegraph Offices. — Automatic. — Principal office. Saint 
Marc Hotel, Penn. av. 

Franklin. — Principal office, 609 Penn. av. 

Western Union. — Principal office, Penn. av. and 14th 
St. W. 

Branch Offices will be found in all the principal hotels, 
or near by, and in the Capitol. 

Ohurolies. — The following list of places of religious worship 
is merely designed for the use of visitors in the city, and 
therefore embraces only tlie representative churches of each 
denomination. For convenience of reference, it is arranged 
alphabetically. The usual hour for service is 10.30 to 11 A. 
M. and 7 to 8 p. m., according to the season of the year. 

Baptist.— First, 13th st. W., bet. G and H. E-street, E 
St., bet. 6th and 7th W. Calvary, H and 8th sts. NW. Shi- 
loh, (Old School,) Mass. av., bet. 9th and 10th sts. W. 

Catholic, Koman. — St. Aloysius, I and IST. Capitol st. 
NW. St. Dominic's, 6th and F. sts. SW. St. Matthew's, H 
and 15th st. NW. St. Patrick's, 10th and F sts., (rebuilding.) 
St. Stephen's, Penn. av. and 2oth st. NW. 

Christian.— First, Vermont av., above K st. NW. 

Congregational.— First, 10th and G sts. NW. 

Episcopal, Protestant. — Ascension, Hst., bet. 9th and 
10th NW. Epiphany, G st., bet. 13th and 14th NW. Kock 
Creek, near Soldiers' Home. St. John's, 16th and H sts. 



XIV GENERAL INFORMATION. 

NW. St. Paul's, (Eitnalistic.) 23d St., S. of Circle, NW. 
Trinity, 3d and C sts. ]N"W. 

Episcopal, Methodist.— Foundry, Gr and 14th sts. IN'W. 
Hamline, cor. 9th and P sts. ISTW. McKendree, Mass. av., 
near 9th st. I^W. Metropolitan, 4| and C sts. NW. Wesley 
Chapel, 5th and F sts. NW. 

Episcopal, Methodist South. — ^Mount Vernon, 9th 
and K sts. IS'W. 

Friends.— Orthodox, 13th, bet. K and S sts. HfW. Hick- 
site, I St., bet. 18th and 19th jSTW. Meetings, 11 o'clock A. M. 

German Reformed.— First, 6th and IS" sts. N"W. Ger- 
man service, a.m. ; English, p. M. 

Hebrew. — Washington Hebrew Congregation, 8th st., 
bet. H and I ISTW. Services every Friday 7 p.m., and Sab- 
bath (Saturday) 9 A. M. 

Lutheran — Trinity, (Unaltered Augsburg Confession,) 
E and 4th sts. :N'W. St. Paul's, H and 11th sts KW. Me- 
morial, N" and 14th sts. ]N". 

Methodist Protestant. — 9th st., bet. E and F N'W. 

Presbyterian. — First, 4^ st. NW., near the City Hall. 
Fourth, 9th, bet. G and H sts. NW. Kew-York Avenue, 
New-York av., bet. 13th and 14th NW. 

Unitarian.— D and 6tli sts. ISTW. 

Universalist. — Masonic Hall, F and 9th sts. NW. 

Colored Churches. — Baptist, Fhst, I and 19th sts. N^ W. 
Catholic, Roman, St. Martin's, loth st., near L KW. Epis- 
copal, St. Mary's, 23d St., bet. G and H NW. Methodist, 
Asbury, K and 11th sts. NW. Presbyterian, 15th, bet. I and 
K sts. NW. 

.Theatres. — The best places of amusement in the city are 
Pord''s Opera House, on 9th st. W., immediately S. of Penn- 
sylvania av., and the National Theatre, on E st. N., bet. 13th 
and 14th sts. XW. Here the standard comedies and trage- 
dies and plays of the day are performed by excellent stock 
companies during the winter season, varied at intervals by 
Italian, German, or English opera, and the presence of the- 
atrical "stars." 

General Amnsements.— Concerts and lectm-es take place 
almost every night, and will aflbrd recreation for those who 
prefer tliis character of entertainment. 

Etiquette, Geremonies, and Formalities. — The population 
of AVashington is divided into two classes : official and unqjffl- 
ciaJ, and society admits of the same classification. The first 
includes those actively associated with the various branches 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XV 

and departments of the Government and retired officers of 
the Army and Navy and families. The second inclndes resi- 
dents in the capital not in official employment, and visitors. 

The Season. — The fashionahle season commences with 
the New Year's receptions, and ends with the beginning of 
Lent. Dnring this period life at the capital is extremely gay. 
The congressional season begins on the lirst Monday in De- 
cember of each year, and, witli a recess dm-ing the Christmas 
holidays, lasts till March 4 in the odd years and nntil Jime or 
July in tlie even years. During the months of July, August, 
and September, the prominent officials and residents leave the 
capital for places of summer resort. 

Receptions. — The reception season begins on New Year's 
day and lasts till the beginning of Lent. The days for after- 
noon receptions are arranged among the ladies of the families 
of the President, Cabinet Ministers, and Governor of the Dis- 
trict. The announcements are made daily during the season 
in the newspapers. Hours, afternoon, 2 to 5 p. m. ; evening, 
8 to 11 p. m. Afternoon receptions are open to all. Evening 
receptions are by card, unless otherwise announced in the daily 
newspapers. 

Titles — The following are the forms of address used in 
conversation with certain officials, viz : Mr. Pi-esident ; to 
members of the Cabinet, Mr. Secret arj'^, Mr. Postmaster Gen- 
eral, Mr. Attorney General ; Mr. Cliief Justice, Mr. Vice Presi- 
dent, Mr. Senator, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Justice, for associates of 

the Supreme Court, and IVIr. , for Representatives. The 

latter frequently have titles, as Judge, &c. Official commu- 
nications should be addressed, "To the President, "To the 
Chief Justice," and all others "To the Honorable, the Sec- 
retary of State," &c., or "The HonombleD. W., Secretary of 
State;" and to members of Congress, Honorable, with the 
name. The form customary for ladies of officials, is Mrs. 

President ; Mrs. General ; Mrs. Secretary, &g. The 

following form of address for certain officers would be better 
than those now in vogue : For the Secretary of State, The 
Premier; other membei'S of the Cabinet, Mr. Minister. 

Cards. — Whenever a visit is made or reception attended, 
a caril, containing tlie name and residence in the city, should 
bo sent in, or left with the usher, or in the receiver in the 
hall. Cards left at afternoon receptions are generally recog- 
nized l)y cards to evening receptions. Cards are generally 
issued to all evening receptions, except those of the President 
and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and sometimes 
the General of the Army. In private calls, if the person 
called upon be out, turn down the right upper corner of the 
card, to indicate that called in person ; if the call be upon 



XVI GENERAL INFORMATION. 

the family, under the same circumstances, turn down the 
right end. In making a farewell call, place P. P. C. on the 
lower edge of the card. 

A stranger, in calling upon officials, or at receptions, should, 
if his name be not announced by an usher or by card, men- 
tion it himself, so as to prevent embarrassment. 

Invitations. — In all cases, invitations to dinner should 
be promptly accepted or declined. It is not obligator}'' to 
respond to invitations to evening entertainments, unless re- 
quired in the letters R. S. V. P., though it is proper to recog- 
nize them formally. Invitations to evening receptions do 

not require a reply. The general form of reply is : Mr. S 

presents his compliments to Secretary , and accepts with 

pleasure his inritation to dinner Thursday evening. Mon- 
day, Dec. — , 187 — . The form is the same, with adaptation, 
for evening entertainments. 

CaXiLiS. — The ladies of officials return calls. The President 
and wife are not required to return calls ; other members of 
the family can. The lower officials should always call first 
upon the higher; and ladies the same ; hours 2 to 5 p. m. 
Evening calls only allowed for social acquaintances. The 
first visit received should be returned in three days. Stran- 
gers, desiring to pay respects to any officials, can do so with 
propriety during office hours, sending in a card, marked "to 
pay respects," by the usher. 

Dress. — ^For visiting and at all afternoon receptions such 
dress for ladies and gentlemen as is recognized in good soci- 
ety for morning calls should be worn. At all evening recep- 
tions and dinner parties^ full evening dress for ladies and 
gentlemen should be strictly observed ; consisting, for gen- 
tlemen, of black dress-coat and pantaloons, white neck-tie, 
and light gloves. 

The President. — Cabinet days, Tuesdays and Fridays, 
hours of meeting 12 M. Business hours : During the session 
of Congress, the President receives Senators and Represen- 
tatives from 10 A. M. to 12 M. every day, except Sunday, and 
the public, by card through the usher in the ante-room, from 
12 M. till 3 P. M., except on Cabinet days and Sundays. The 
number admitted during hours is governed entirely by the 
time the President can spare from his public duties. Persons 
desiring to pay their respects only, should note '■'■topay res- 
pects'''' on their cards, and call the attention of the officer in 
in the ante-room thereto. During the adjournment of Con- 
gress, the President, when not absent from the Capital, usu- 
ally receives in the morning from 10 A. M. to 12 M. 

The President and family receive socially in the evening. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XVll 

These visits, liowever, are only made by those warranted by 
their acquaintance to call upon them. 

Diplomatic representatives of foreign governments, upon 
their lirst arrival at the Capital, are presented in the Blne- 
Eoom, at a time fixed by the Secretary of State, with the 
consent of the President. The ceremony of presentation 
consists of an address by the Minister, and a reply by the 
President. 

The President's levees are announced through the press. 
jS'o further invitation is necessary, and all strangers at the 
Capital are at liberty to call. The hours are usual] 3'^ from 8 
to 10 P.M. Music by the ISiarine Band, l^o dress is pre- 
scribed, though it is eminently pi-oper to appear in the even- 
ing dress dictated by good societj'. Enter by tlie IsT. door, 
where the ushers ^^'iil direct to the cloak rooms. Then enter 
the Eed, and pass into the Blue-Room, where the President 
receives. Announce name to the Marshal of the District, 
who presents to the President. The Engineer in charge of 
Public Buildings and Grounds presents to the wife of the 
President. After paying respects, in order to make room 
for others, it is advisable to pass out at once into the Green 
and thence into the East-Room. 

The afternoon receptions at the President's House are al- 
ways held by the wife of the President, on such days as she 
may select. She is assisted by such ladies as she may invite, 
generall}^ selected in alphabetical order from the wives of 
Senators and IMembers, who, by their official positions, are 
entitled to such consideration, and any friend. Hours, 2 to 
5 p. m. Xo invitations. Visitors in the city are at liberty 
to attend. The President, after office hours, often assists. 
Presentations are made in tlie Blue Room by the Engineer 
in charge of Public Buildings and Grounds. Approach as 
in levees, except that it is customary to leave a card at the 
door. Enter the Red Room. Dress the same as recognized 
by good society as suitable for morning calls. These recep- 
tions afford an excellent opportunity to strangers at the Cap- 
ital to view the suits of parlors, state dining room, and con- 
servatories. The latter are open to the public only on these 
occasions. After leaving the Blue Room, pass into the Green 
and East Rooms. The corridor which leads from the East 
Room extends to the conservatories on the W. end. The 
President, during the winter, gives state dinners, to which 
thirt3^-six invitations at a time are issued, and comprise Sen- 
ators and Representatives, selected alphabetically. Their 
wives are also included. The President also invites promi- 
nent officers of the Government in recognized order. 

On Neio Yearns day the President receives in the following 



XVlll GENERAL INFORMATION. 

order : Members of the Cabinet and Foreign Ministers ; 
judges of the Supreme Court of the United States ; Senators 
and Representatives in Congress ; tbe Grovernor of tlie Dis- 
trict of Columbia and suite; judges of the courts of tlie Dis- 
trict of Columbia and of the United States Court of Claims ; 
officers of the army and navy ; Assistant Secretaries of depart- 
ments ; Solicitor General ; associations and the public. 

Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court.— La- 
dies receive on Monday. Return visits. First call must be 
made upon them. 

Speaker's receptions are announced in the newspapers. 

General of the Army. — Reception of lady, Mondays. 
Expect the first call. The General's receptions are by card, 
unless otherwise announced in the newspapers. 

Admiral of the I!^avy. — Same as for General of the 
Army, except evening receptions always by card. 

The Cabinet. — The ladies of Cabinet Ministers usually 
receive on Wednesdays, at which time visitors in the city are 
at liberty to call, leave cards with and give names to the usher 
at the door. Evening receptions by card are given by Cabi- 
net Ministers. Tlie ladies of the Cabinet return visits. The 
first call must be made upon them. 

Senators and Representatives. — Ladies receive on 
Thursdays. Calls must be fii-st made upon them. 

Governor of the District. — Afternoon receptions of 
ladies announced in the newspapers. Open to all. Evening 
by card. First call must be made. 

Diplomatic Corps.— Invitations are issued to all enter- 
tainments. Receive calls first. There are also diplomatic 
evenings for members of the corps and families, and such 
others as the lady personally invites. 

Residents. — The ladies of the families of residents at the 
capital not in official life, call first. Their days at home are 
generally marked on their cards. 

Social precedence. — 1, The President; 2, the Chief 
Justice ; 3, the Vice President ; 4, the Speaker ; 5, the Gen- 
eral of the Army; 6, the Admiral of the ISTavy; 7, the Cabi- 
net, Secretary of State, Treasury, War, Navy, Postmaster 
General, Secretary of the Interior, and Attorney General ; 8, 
Senators ; 9, Associate Justices ; 10, Representatives in Con- 
gress ; and, 11, Governor of the District. 

Remarks. — General Jackson first introduced bad manners 
into the society of the President's House. The President, by 
vhtue of his office, of a right occupies the highest social posi- 
tion in the land, and the observance of the formalities which 
are recognized in the surrounding's of any American gentle- 
man's home should be accorded to the home of the President. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. 



XIX 



Distances from Washington. 



Capitals of States or Territories are in capital letters. 



MILES. 

Albany, N.Y 374 

Albuquerque, N.M..2I06 

Alexandria, Va 7 

Annapolis, Md 42 

Atlanta, Ga 721 

Augusta. Me 631 

Austin, Texas 1781 

Baltimore, Md 40 

Boise City, Idaho. ..26G7 

Boston, Mass 458 

Brownsville, Tex... 194(5 

Buffalo, N.Y 44G 

Cairo, Illinois 977 

Carson City, Nev...2950 

Charleston, S. C 587 

Cheyenne. VVy. T....1850 

Chicago, 111 842 

Cincinnati, Ohio.... Gil 

Columbia, S. C 519 

Columbus, Ohio...... 535 

Concord, N. H 503 

Deer LoD6E.Mon.T.2700 

Denver, Col. T 1950 

Desmoines. Iowa 1162 

Detroit, Mich 692 

Dover. Del. 159 

Duluth,Minn 1437 

Erie, Pa 466 

Fort Abercrombie,1507 
Fort Benton. M.T..3130 
Fort Berthold, D.T.2186 
Fort Bliss, Tex ... 2523 
Fort Boise, Idaho..2669 



miles. 
Fort Bridger, Wy.T.2349 
Fort Dodge, Kan. ..1586 

Fort Fetterman 1984 

Fort Gibson,Ch.Na.l387 

Fort Hays, Kan 1525 

Fort Klamath, Ore.3320 
Fort Laramie, W.T.1906 
Fort Leavenworth. .1263 
Fort Randall, D. T.1535 
Fort Smith, Ark. ...1307 
Fort Wavne, Ind... 694 

Fort Yuma, Cal 3881 

Frankfort, Ky...... 731 

Galveston, Texas. ..1556 

Harrisburg, Pa 125 

Hartford, Conn 342 

Indianapolis, Ind... 715 

Jackson, Miss 1082 

Jefferson City, Mo.1077 
Kansas City, Mo... .1234 

Lansing, Mich 742 

Leavenworth, Kan. 1260 
Little Rock, Ark. ..1115 

Louisville, Ky 720 

M.ADisoN,Wis 974 

Memphis, Tenn 934 

MlLLEDGEVILI,E, Ga.. 698 

Milwaukee, Wis 927 

Mobile, Ala 10S2 

Montgomery, Ala.... 890 

MONTPELIER, Vt 556 

Nashville, Tenn.... 775 
New Haven, Conn.. 307 



MILES. 

New Orleans, La. ...1250 

New York, N. Y 229 

Norfolk, Va 233 

Olympia, Wash. T...3982 

Omaha, Neb 1298 

Pensacola, Fla 1050 

Philadelphia, Pa.... 139 

Pittsburg, Pa 374 

PorUand, Ore... 3952 

Providence, R. 1 419 

Raleigh, N. C 313 

Richmond, Va 130 

Sacramento, Cal 3072 

Saint Louis, Mo 952 

Saint Paul, Minn..l285 

Salem, Ore 3834 

Salt Lake City U.T.2464 
San Francisco, Cal. 3155 
San Juan Is., W. T.4047 
Santa Fe, N. Mex..,2093 

Savannah, Ga 691 

Tahlequah, Ind. T..13(J0 

Sitka, Alaska.., 4535 

Springfield, 111 928 

TALLAH.iSSEE, Fla 953 

Topeka, Kan 1302 

Trenton, N. J 170 

Tucson, Ar. T 2628 

Vancouver, W. T...3970 
Virginia Citv, M.T.2687 
Wheeling, VV. Va.... 401 
Wilmington, Del... Ill 
Y.ankton, D. T 1449 



Foreign Distances, air-Line, from Washington, to 



miles. 

Belize 1410 

Berlin 3840 

Buenos Ayres 4870 

Calcutta 8580 

Callao 3168 

Caracas 1830 

Cape Good Hope....7380 

Cape Horn 6450 

Chuquisaca 3670 

Constantinople 4870 

Georgetown, Br. G.2230 
Havana 12.50 



MILES. 

Honolulu 46.50 

Jerusalem 5490 

Lima 3180 

Lisbon 3180 

London 3300 

Mexico 1680 

JNiearagua 1740 

Panama 1840 

Paris 3480 

Pekin 7680 

Rio de Jaiieiro 4300 



MILES. 

Rome.. 4080 

San Domingo 1.300 

San Juan 1380 

San Salvador 1650 

Santiago, Chili 4700 

Spanishtown, Jam..l290 

St. Petersburg 4290 

Sydney, Aus 9150 

Tehauntepec. 1620 

Vera Cruz 1560 

Vienna 4110 



XX 



general information. 
Differences of Time. 



Tahle showing the mean time at 39 places in the United States 
and Foreign Countries, u hen it is mean noon at Washington, 
D. C, United States of America. 

* Signifies forenoon and f afternoon. Time computed from the ob- 
-servatories of all places marked (o.) -- 



h. 

Albany, N.Y (o) f 

Alexandria, Egypt. f 7 

Astoria, Oregon * 8 

Augusta, Maine f 

Baltimore, Md f 

Berlin, Prussia (o) f 6 

Boston, Mass f 

Cambridge, Mass... (o) f 

Canton, China * 

Charlef-ton, S. C * 11 

Chicago, 111 * 11 

Cincinnati, Ohio.... * 11 
Detroit, Michigan.. * 11 
Greenwich, Eng.... (o) f 5 

Honolulu, S.I * 6 

Jeddo, Japan * 2 

Leavenworth, Kan. * 10 

Lima, Peru * 11 

Liverpool, Eng (o) f 4 

London, Eng (o) f 5 



m. 


S. 


13 


13 


7 


44 


52 


57 


23 


52 


1 


45 


1 


46 


23 


5S 


23 


42 


41 


18 


48 


30 


17 


41 


30 


13 


36 


2 


8 


11 


36 


44 


28 


12 


49 


16 


59 


41 


56 


11 


2 


12 



h. m. s. 

Louisville, Ky f 11 26 12 

Melbourne, Aus'lia * 2 48 

Memphis, Tenn * II 7 

Mexico, Mex * 10 31 50 

Milwaukee, Wi.s * 11 16 35 

Mobile, Alabama... * 11 16 

Montreal, C.E f 14 

Moscow, Russia (o) f 7 

New Orleans, La.... * 11 

New York, N.Y . f 

Panama, C. A * 11 

Paris, France (o) t ^ 

Philadelphia, Pa.... (a) f 

Rome, Italy (o) f 5 

Salt Lake, Utah * 9 39 48 

San Francisco, Cal. * 8 58 25 

St. Louis, Mo.... * 11 7 11 

Vienna, Austria (o) f 6 13 44 

Washington, D. C... (o) 



5 
40 



6 


38 28 
8 12 
12 12 
50 15 
17 33 



7 
58 



34 
, 6 



SECTION T. 

WASHINGTON AND THE DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 



WASHIXGTOX. 




^.^^^HE Seat of Government of the United States 
fe^jr of America has heen apiDropriately called "the 
Virgin Capital." A territory under tlie exclusive 
j uri'sdiction of Congress had early received the atten- 
tion of the legislators of the new Republic; indeed, 
before the chimor of war had fairly ceased, or the 
royal standard of England had left its shores. The posses- 
sion of such a territory was an important feature in tlie de- 
bates upon tlie framing of the Constitution ; and it was pre- 
cisely forty-eight daj^s after the last act of ratification, that 
the Federal City of the American Republic was by solemn en- 
actment of tlie young Congress of the Thirteen Free and Inde- 
pendent States located on the beautiful eastern shore of the 
l)road Potomac. It might be added, that not only is Washing- 
ton the onlj^ virgin capital in the world, but its foundation was 
simultaneous with the inauguration of the permanent form of 
government of the nation. Of being synchronous it lacked less 
than two j^ears. The idea and th(; execution were essentially 
American. It was founded as the Capital of the Republic. It 
sprang out of the virgin soil, and its growth and magnificence 
were to be measured by the progress and taste of the people 
who constituted the Government of which it was to be the 
political head and centre and the permanent residence. 

Among the capitals of the great nations of modern times, 
in this particular Washington stands alone. St. Petersburg, 
now the seat of the imperial residence of the Autocrat of all 
the Russias, rose out of the morasses of the Neva at the will 
of the great Peter. It was long what its founder called it, a 
look-out upon Europe, before the ancient capital of the Czars, 
in the fertile Moskva, left the sheltering walls of the Krem- 
lin for the banks of the Neva. Versailles, the queen of royal 
residences, sprang from a favorite hunting lodge of Louis 
XIII. A monarch like his successor was alone capable of an 



Z GEOGHAPHICAL LOCATION. 

exhibition of extravagance such as tliis. The genius of Le 
Brun and Le Notre, and the expenditure of two Iiundred 
millions of dollars, did not make Versailles a capital. Its 
name and its associations are synonymous with the reckless- 
ness of a luxurious and dissolute court. Kome, the city of 
over twenty-six centuries, was government and capital , when 
Romulus, with his liandful of Latins on the western sloj)e of 
the Palatine ; Tatius, with his Sabines on the Capitoliue and 
the Quirinal ; and the Etruscans on the C^lian and Esquiline, 
gathered around the forum, and laid the foundation of that 
career of greatness aud power, whieli justl^y earned the proud 
title of Mistress of the World. But republican Kome rose 
on the ruins of the earlier kingdom of tiie Tarquins. Impe- 
rial Eome superseded tlie colossal fabric of the Republic of 
the Consuls, the Tribunes, and the Triumvii's. Pontilical 
Rome reared herself upon the crumbled throne of the Impe- 
rial Cresars. The Rome of to-da}^ the capital of United 
Italy, therefore, may well be said to be the mother, while 
Washington is the maiden, of capitals. 

Geographical Location. — AVashingtoii the Federal, or Capi- 
tal City of the United Slates of America, is situated on the 
left or eastern bank of the Potomac Rivei-, between the 
Anacostia, or Eastern Branch of the Potomac, and Rock 
Creek, lOQ^ m. (statute) above the mouth of the Potomac 
River, by sliip channel, from abreast the red hnoj off Point 
Lookout to Arsenal or Ceenleaf 's Point, and 185J m. from 
the buoy 1^ m. NE. of Cape Henry light, mouth of Chesa- 
peake Bay. The distance by air line to the mouth of the 
Potomac River is 69 m., and to the mouth of the Chesapeake 
Bay 143 m. The distance from the Capitol by air line to 
the sea-coast, just below Cape Henlopen, the nearest point, 
is 105 m. ; and to the Chesapeake Bay, available for vessels 
of war, Patuxent River, 53 m. ; Annapolis 38 J m., and 
Herring Bay 39 m. 

The latitude of Washington {c-2i^\io\) is 38° 52^ 20^^ north, long- 
itude 76° 55' 30'^ .51 west of Greenwich, and 79° 15^ 41"" .69 
west of Paris, both ascertained in 1821, under authority of 
Congress, by William Lambert of Virginia. 

The site of the city and the location of the -public reservations, squares, Cnp- 
itol and President's House, were selected by President Washington. The only 
direct reference to the location of the public buildings within the limits of the 
territory then accepted, was contained in a proviso in the amendatory act of 
Congress, approved March 30, 1791, requiring their erection on the Maryland 
side of the Potomac. When the city was located, the northern limit of the 
United States was lat. 46° N. and the southern 31=" N., placing Washington but 
23 min. or geographical miles south of the centre along the Atlantic Coast. 
The centre is now in the vicinity of Newberne, North Carolina, or 233 miles S. 
Another important consideration in those primitive days was the fact, that on 



4 AIiE\. 

no part of the coast, %\ii;ii:i t"ij j >ir.iJs of i\t c j.ur.ry, \v.;.s there -icccssible to 
sea-going vessels a port situ;^ted so fa.T inland 

The dtsr:i.ncL-s from the National Capitol to the remote points within the vast 
domain now under the jurisdiction of the republic, indicate the wonderful ex- 
tension of area attained by conquest and purchase during the first century of 
growth, viz To the north-eastern boundary on New Brunswick, 750 miles ; 
Rouse's Point, northern boundary, 598 miles; Cape Flattery, the extreme 
north-western b aindary, on che Pacific Ocean, 4102 miles , Sitka, the capital 
o! the Alaskan Possessions, 4535 miles ; to San Francisco, western boundary, 
on the Pjcific Ocean, 3155 miles ; Key West, Florida, 1494 miles ; Brownsville, 
Texas, the Mexican frontier, 1946 miles, [/-or table of distances yrom IVusk- 
in^ton to the principai cities of the United States and the luorld^ see General 
ln/orj>tation.\ 

Area, — The plot of the city lies on the W. side of the 
tract, 64 sq. m., within the present borders of the District of 
Columbia, and is 14 m. in circumference. It covers G.lll a., 
or a little over 9^ sq. m. The avenues, streets, and spaces 
comprise 2,or}4 a. ; the Government reservations, as origi- 
nally laid out, 541 a., and squares 8,016 a. The gi'eatest 
len2:th is from \V. to S. of E. ; or from Rock Creek, between 
I and K sts. W., to the bank of the Anacostia, at 24th st. E., 
on B St. S., 4.57 m. The earlier plot is extended to 31st 
St. E. ; but the 7 additional streets and squares are subject 
to tidal inundation, and are ^vnerally excluded from the 
later maps. The greatest breadth of the city is W. of X., 
from Greenleaf Point, at the foot of the Arsenal Grounds, to 
Boundary, at 11 St. W., 3.78 m. The mean width from E. 
to W. is over 4 m,, and length 2h m. The city lies 4 m. 
along the Potomac and about ?>\ m. along the Anacostia. 

The following is a covtpar-ison of the geographical location, area and popula- 
tion of Washington with the leading capitals of Europe : Washington. —Lat. 
38^ 52' 20" N. On Potomac Tliver, io6^ m. from its mouth. Area gj^ sq. m , 
and 14 in. in circuit. Popub^'ion, 187J, 109,199. London. — Lat. (St. Paul's), 
51^ 30 4S" N. On Thames River, 50 m. from its mouth, Area of old city i 
sq. m. With city and liberty of Westminster and 5 boroughs, 31,313 sq. m. 
Population, 1870, 3,215,000. Paris — Lat. 48'^ 50' 12" N. On the Seine River, 
no m from its m )uih. Area 14 sq. m. Population, 1871. 1,950,000. Berlin. 
— Lat. 52"^ 30' 16" N. On Spree River. Area 6,8^0 a.", and 10 m. in circuit. 
Population, 820,020. St. Petersburg. — Lit. 59'^ 56' N. On the Neva River, 
near its m:.uth. Area 6 m. in length and 5 in width. Population. 667,000. 
ViEXx.\. — Lat. 48^ 12' N. On the Wein River, near the Danube. Circuit 15 
m. Population, 1872, 640,000. Rome. — Lat 41° 54' 06" N. On the Tiber 
River, 17 m. from its mouth. Circuit 12 m. Population, 1872, 247,497. 

Government. — The municipal form of 1801, with amend- 
ments at various times, continued for nearly three-quarters 
of a century. In 1871 it was superseded by the territorial 
form, which was abolished by Act of Congress, June 20, 
1874, and a government of three commis'sioners substituted. 
{See Government, District of Columbia.) 

Finances. — (See District of Columbia.) 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 5 

Population. — The popuUuion of the city, bv decjide.s, since 
its fumidation, was 1800, 3.210; 1810, 8*208; 1820. 13,247; 
1830, 18,826; 1840, 23,364; 1850, 40,001; 1860, 61,122; 1870.! 
109,199. In 1870, white, 73,731 ; colored, 35,455 ; Indian, 13. 
Born in the District of Columbia, 42,694 ; in other State-. 
52,748; in foreign countries, 13,757, viz: Ireland, 6.94S ; 
Germany, 4,133; England, 1,235; Scotland, 299; British 
America, 239 ; Italy, 17o ; Switzerland. 146 ; all other foreign 
countries, 582. 

Miscellaneous Statistics.— Size, 12 in population ; fainilips. 
21,343; persons to a family, 5.12; dwellinjzs, Xo., 10.545: 
persons to each, 5.59. Persons in each class of occupations. 
41,188 : agi-iculture, 284; personal and professional services. 
*^6,109: male, 15,596 ; female, 10.513 ; trade and transport- 
ition, 5,296; mannfactrnvs, mechanical, and mining- indus- 
-ries, 9,499. 



DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



The Federal Territory, or District of Columbia, is situ- 
ated on the left or E. bank of the Potomac River, at the 
confluence of the Anacostia or Eastern Branch of that 
stream. 

Boundaries. —The District of Columbia comprises 64 
square miles. It lies entirely within the State of Maryland, 
and is bounded on the north by Montgomery county, on 
the east and south by Prince George county, and west by 
the Potomac River. 

T\\.^ Federal territory as originally located by President Washington, under 
authority of the Constitution of ihi United States, and national and state legis- 
lation, formed a square of lo miles (iod sq. m.). The bounds were proclaimed 
by the President March 33, 1791. On Friday, April 15, of the same year, at 
3 P. M., the municipal authorities of Alexandria, Virginia, repaired to the 
house in which the commissioners of Washington were residing, and after uni- 
ting with them in a glass of wine, to the sentiment "* May the stone which wc 
are about to place in the ground remain an immovable monument of the wis- 
dom and unanimity of North America," the company proceeded to Jones' 
Point, or the upper cape, which projects into the Potomac River za the Vir- 
ginia side or right bank, at the confluence of Hunting Creek, then i mile E. of 
S. of the Court House of Alexandria, in the following order : Town Sergeant; 
Daniel Carroll, Commissioner, and the Mayor of Alexandria ; Andrew EUicott, 
Surveyor and the Recorder ; the Aldermen and Common Council, not Free 
Masons; strangers. Master of Lodge No. 22, F. A. M. o\ Alexandria, with 
David Stewart, Commissioner, on his right, and James Muir, Pastor of that 
Episcopal parish on his left, followed by the rest of the fraternity and citizens. 



6 GOVERNMEiNT. 

EUicott, " Geographer General," then ascertained the precise location on 
Jones' Point, as defined by the President's proclamation, whereupon the Mas- 
ter of the Lodge and Dr. Stewart, aided by the craft, planted the initial or 
corner-stone of the Federal Territory, in accordance with the impressive rites 
of JMasonry. The Rev. James Muir delivered an address. After partaking of 
refreshments, the procession returned to the city, and closed the ceremonies of 
the day with a banquet and appropriate toasts and speeches. From- this initial 
stone Mr. Eilicott, during the ensuing year, laid down the lines ot boundary as 
directed by the President's proclamation. The first at an angle of 45° W. of 
N., a distance of 10 m , into the State of Virginia; the second 2\%o starting at 
the initial point, at a right angle with the first, or N. E., across the Potomac, 
10 m., into the State of Maryland, and the remaining tivo lines from the ter- 
mini of the first two and at right angles with them, respectively, N. E. and 
X. W., until they met each other in a point. The original Territory, it will be 
seen, stood diagonally, each angle facing one of the cardinal points of the com- 
pass. The N. pointy as originally laid out, is ^ m. due W. of Silver Spring, 
Md ; the E. point lYi^ m. S. of E. of Benning's Bridge, on the Anacostia ; the 
5". or initial point at the N. cape of Hunting Creek, called Jones' Point ; and 
the W, point near the source of Four-mile Run, in Virginia. The centre ofithe 
original Territory is marked by a gray free-stone, about 100 yds. W. of the 
Washington Monument, and on a line almost due S. from the President's 
House, at a distance of about "% m. 

The lines were marked by square mile stones, with appropriate inscriptions 
on the side facing the territory, "Jurisdiction of the United States;" 
facing the State, " Virginia," or " Maryland," according to location; facing 
the North '• 1792," the year in which planted ; and facing the South, the po- 
sition of the Magnetic Needle. Many of these stones are doubtless still standing, 
but lost sight of amid the accumulations of decayed vegetation. It has been' 
wisely suggested that the Government should define the lines of the Federal 
Territory of this now mighty Republic by tablets, columns, and other marks, 
worthy and commemorative of its greatness. Shortly after the District was laid 
out this was seriously considered. It was proposed to build a great Fort at 
Jones' Point, on the site of the initial corner-stone of the Federal Territory, at 
the same time to constitute one of the defenses of the river approach to the 
Capital from the Sea, and to be called Fort Columbia. It was actually com- 
menced, but was soon afterwards abandoned. 

In 1846 all that portion of the District, consisting of about 36 sq. m., which 
lay on the W. bank of the Potomac, in Virginia, was retroceded to that State, 
which reduced the area to 64 sq. m., its present extent. Since the retrocession, 
the short-sighted policy of that act has been demons. rated. The question of re- 
storing the Territory to its first limits is being agitated. In the absence of ab- 
solute jurisdiction on both sides of the river, it is manifest that there must be 
interminable conflicts of interest and authority; the more so as the Capital in- 
creases in population, wealth and magnificence. The schemes of improvement 
of the Potomac in front of Washington and Georgetown also demand the 
possession of the Virginia shore. 

Political Divisions. — The District is divided into the cities 
of Washington and Georgetown and the County of Wash- 
inoton. 

G-overnment. — The Congress of the United States, in Nov., 
1800, assembled for the first time in the City of Washing- 
ton. The jurisdiction of tlie United States over tlie Dis- 
trict vested on the first Monday of Dec, 1800. It was not, 
however, till Feb. 27, 1801, that Congress assumed direct and 
exclusive jurisdiction — all affairs of tlie District being first 
referred to a Committee for the District of Cokmibia for con- 
sideration and report. 



b GOVERNMENT. 

The act of Congress approved Febi-nary 21, 1871, created 
all that part of the territoiy of tlie United States included 
within the limits of the District of Columbia, into a govern- 
ment, by the name of the District of Columbia ; theexecu- 
tive power to be vested in a Governor^ to be nominated by 
the President and confirmed by the Senate, and to hold office 
for four years; and the legislative power in a Legislative As- 
sembly^ composed of a Council of 11 members, nominated by 
the President and confirmed by the Senate, to hold office two 
years, and a House of Delegates of 22 members, elected by 
tli'-i ])eople, and to meet annually. There was a Board of 
Public Works for improvements, a Board of Healthy charged 
with the sanitar}^ care of the District, and a Delegate in Con- 
gress. 

On January 22, 1872, a memorial was presented to Con- 
gress, declaring that the Board of Public Works had usurped 
authority in making improvements, and was submitted on 
Februaiy G, 1872, setting forth a great increase of the debt of 
the District of Columbia, and asking that tliis be prevented. 
An investigation was ordered. This committee made two 
reports. The majoritj^ admitted that mistakes had been 
made, but not for corrupt purposes. The minority declared 
that the grievances complained of were sustained. Two years 
later another appeal was made to Congress. A joint resolu- 
tion, passed b,y the House of Representatives February 2, and 
Senate February 11, 1874, created a Joint Select Cominitfee, of 
three Senators and five Representatives, to inquire into the 
■affairs of the District of Columbia. The principal chai'ges of 
the memorialists, headed by \Y. W. Corcoran, were that un- 
lawful contracts had been made for public improvements in 
the District of Columbia ; that unlawful assessments of taxes 
liad been levied; that false measurements had been made; 
and that the debt had been unnecessarily increased. 

The committee, after an investigation consuming over three 
months, unanimously ari'ived at the conclusion that the then 
•existing foi'm of government of the District of Columbia was ^ 
afailui-e; that it was too cumbrous and expensive; tliat It' 
was wanting in sufficient safeguards against maladministra- 
tion and the creation of indebtedness. The act of June 20, 
1S74, ])ased upon the I'ecommendations of the committee, 
abolislied the territorial form, alone retaining the Board of 
Healthy and provided n provisional government of three Com- 
missioners until a permanent one was devised bj^ Congress. 
This is now being done. 

A notorious act, growing out of the troubles between tlie 
memorialists and tlie government of the District of Columbia, 
led to another investigation, on a joint resolution of Congress. 



POPULATION". 9 

May 5, 1874, to inquii-e wliether any officers in the emploj'^- 
mentof the United States or of the District of Cohimbia M'ere 
engao-ed in a conspiracy to defeat or liinder the investigations 
ordered by Congress into the athiirs of tnie District, and par- 
ticnlarly the circumstances conn.ected witli the rohherij of 
the safe in the office of the United States attorney for tlie 
District of Columbia. The committee reported tliat tliey 
were satistied that one of tiie objects of the burglary was to 
falsely implicate certain individuals among tlie memorialists, 
but were unable to determine who were the conspirators, 
and directed that the evidence be turned over to tiie Secre- 
tary of the Treasury and Attorney G-eneral for tlieir informa- 
tion. Criminal prosecutions were ordered. Upon a trial of 
the case the jmy failed to agree, and the government entered 
a nolle pros. 

Tlie judicial courts of the District are subject to the legisla- 
tive action of Congress only. 

Tlie salaries of all officers appointed by the President are 
paid by the U. S. ; all oj:hers by the District. The new District 
government went into operation Jmie 1, 1871. 

Finances, estimated upon the tax levy for the fiscal year 
ending June 30, 1874 : 

Assessed valuation of real estate in the District of Colum- 
bia, 896,433,072, viz : Washington, $80,539,782 ; Georgetown, 
$6,272,010; Countv of Washington, $9,621,280. Total actual 
valuation, $200,000,000. Revenue: Taxes, $1,888,252 06; 
other sources, $200,000; total, $2,088,252 06. Rate of tax on 
$100 : Washington, $2 00; Georgetown, $2 00; County, 61 58. 

The act of Congress of 1874, abolislwng the territorial gov- 
ernment established in 1871, also embraced provisions for a 
thorough examination of the tinaucial condition of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia and accounts of the Board of Public Works. 
This work has been carefully pei-formed by a Board of Audit 
and reported to Congress. 

The bonded debt existing Nov. 1, 1873, was as follow- : 
Distri<".t of Columbia, $5,522,350; late Corporation of Wasli- 
inoton, $4,127,584 22 ; late Corporation of Georgetown, $252.- 
316 96 : total, $9,902,251 18. Congress limits the amount of 
debt that may be incurred by the District to $10,000,000. 

Population. — The population of the District, inclusive of 
the County of Alexandria up to 1840, and exclusive after, 
during each decade since its occupation by the Government, 
was, 1800, 14,093 ; 1810, 24,023 ; 1820, 33,039 ; 1830, 39,834 ; 
1840, 43,712; 1850, 51,687; 1860, 75,080; 1870, 131,700.- 

Classified, 1870 : White, 88,278 ; colored, 43,404 ; Cliinese, 
3 ; Indian, 15 ; male, 62,192 ; female, (59,508 ; native, 115, 146 ; 



10 INDUSTRY AND WEALTH. 

forei^^n born, 1G,254 ; native of District of Columbia, 52,340 ; 
of other States, 63,106. Of forei;^n countries, 16,254, viz : 
Ireland, S.218 ; Germany, 4,920 : England, 1,422 ; Scotland, 
352; Britisli America, 290; France, 231; Ttah', 182; all 
other foreign countries, 639. 

B.v ci\ir divisions, 1870 : Washington, 109,199 ; George- 
town, 11.384; coinitv, 11,117. 

Slave population : "1800, 3,244; 1810, 5,.395 ; 1820, 6,377; 
1830, 6,119; 1840, 4,694; 1850, 3,687; 1860, 3,185; 1870, 
none. 

Total, exclusive of Alexandria Countj^ : 1800, 8,144 ; 1810, 
15,471; 1820,23,336; 1830,30,261; and 1840, 33,745 ; subse- 
quently, as above. 

The increase to 131,700 during the decade ending in 1870 
indicates an unusually rapid gTOwtli. This will be further 
promoted, as the disposition already manifested by citizens of 
means in all parts of the country to make the JSTational Capi- 
tal a place of winter resort increases. 

Miscellaneous Statistics, 1870. — Area, 64 sq. m . ; persons to 
a sq. m., 2,057.81. Families, 25,276 ; persons to a family, 
5.21. Dwellings, 23,308 ; persons to a dwelling 5.65. Per- 
sons in each class of occupations : Agriculture, 1,365 ; male, 
1,350 ; female, 15. Professional and personal services, 29,845 ; 
male, 17,927; female, 11,918. Trade and transportation, 
6,126; male, 5,852 ; female, 274. Manufacture, mechanical, 
and mining, 11,705; male, 10,071; female, 1,634. Other 
statistical information will be found under approj)riate heads. 

Vital Statistics, -The District is situated in one of the health- 
iest regions in the country. iSTotwithstanding the large num- 
ber of strangers constantly arriving in the city and the 
irregular habits of a large proportion, the average death-rate 
compares favorably with other sections. The census of 1870 
shows the following results : Oregon, 1 death to 146 popala- 
tion, the most favorable ; Minnesota, 1 to 124 ; ]^ew Hamp- 
shire, 1 to 74 ; Penns3'lvania, 1 to 66 ; District of Columbia, 1 
to 65 ; California, 1 to 62 ; Missouri, 1 to 61 ; ]Massachusetts, 1 
to 56 ; Louisiana, 1 to 50. The percentage of deaths to pop- 
ulation in the District is 1.53. The aggregate number of 
deaths in 1870 was 2,015 : males, 1,065 ; females, 950 ; ag- 
gregate population, 131,700. Of the deaths, 929 died under 
the age of 5 years. The principal diseases are pulmonary 
and fevers, in particular localities. The fevers are generally 
intermitting and bilious. 

Industry and Wealth, 1870.— Valuation of Property, 874,- 
271,693; assessed real, $71,437,468; personal, $2,834,225. 



12 GEOLOGY. 

True value, real and personal, $126,873,618. This is exclu- 
sive of the property of the General Government. Taxation, 
not national, total $1,581,569 ; countv, $49,975 ; city, $1,531,- 
594; 1860, total $260,218; 1870, public debt, not national, 
^2,596,545. Agriculture: Acres improved, 8,266 ; woodland, 
2,428 ; other unimproved, 983 ; value of farms, $3,800,230 ; 
implements, &c. $39,450 ; value of productions, betterments, 
and additions to stock, $319,517. In 1860 there were 17,474 
iicres improved and 16,789 unimproved, with a value of but 
$2,989,267. Manufactures : Establishments, 952 ; capital, 
$5,021,925; products, $9,292,173. In 1860 there were but 
429 establishments, with capital $2,905,865, and products 
■$5,412,102, JSTo mining or established fisheries. 

Agbiculture. — The cereals and other crops of the ]Sr. belt 
of the JSr. temperate zone are cultivated with success in the 
District of Columbia. Fruits and vegetables in great variety 
are also grown. The markets of the capital are abundantly 
supplied from the vicinity, and rank with, if they do not ex- 
€el, the finest in other parts of the United States. 

Topography, — The District of Columbia presents a pleasing 
variety of landscape. On the shores of the Potomac, towards 
the NW., the outlying spurs of the Blue Ridge range of the 
Appalachian chain approach the city, and form the wild and 
romantic scenery of rugged rocky hills and deex) valleys along 
the Potomac at the Little and Great Falls. The remainder 
of the District consists of sweeping and graceful undulations. 
The Potomac, from the NW., and the Anacostia, from the 
NE., unite their currents about the centre of the original 
bounds of the District, from which point the main river flows 
in a southerly direction, until it passes the line. A number 
of smaller streams, including Rock and Tiber Creeks, which 
water all parts of the District, find their outlets into the Po- 
tomac or Anacostia. 

Geology. — The soil of the District bordering the Potomac 
is alluvial, formed by the rich deposits of the river, brought 
down from the mountains. The elevated lands consist almost 
exclusively of yellow clay, interspersed with sand and gravel. 
Occasionally a mixtm^e of loam and clay is met with. Rock 
Creek divides the primitive from the alluvial soil. Above 
Rock Creek the shores of the Potomac are lined with primi- 
tive rocks. Shortly after leaving the District the red sand- 
stone appears. In some parts the stone frequently contains 
leaves of trees and ligneous fragments. A species of gneiss, 
<iomposed of feldspar, quartz, and mica, is also abundant, and 
-constitutes the miderlying rock of the entire District. 



ORNITHOLOGY. 13 

Mineralogy. — The mineralogy of the District is thus stated 
])y ^I". Robinson, in liis Catalogue : 

Flixt, on the sliores of the Eastern Branch of the Poto- 
mac, near the jSTavy Yard, in small nodules. 

HomsTESTONE, containing organic remains. 

Agatized Wood, woodstone, three miles north from Wash- 
ington, sometimes invested with minute crystals of quartz^ 
fine specimens, and abundant. 
• Schorl, in Georgetown, in gneiss. 

Lignite and Pyritical Fossil Wood, found abund- 
antly in digging wells. 

Iron Ore, in the vicinity of the woodstone locality, in de- 
tached masses, on the surface. Organic remains in sandstone 
abundant. 

Botany, — A list of tlie plants indigenous to the District of 
Columbia, prepared by J. A. Brereton, in 1822, from the ma- 
terial collected under the auspices of the Washington Botan- 
ical Society, and entitled Florida Columbiana^ presents 22 
classes and 288 varieties, following the Linnsean classification. 
Of the more familiar varieties found are the oak. (several va- 
rieties,) button-wood, red maple, sassafras, alder, mountain 
ash, linden, catalpa, locust, chestnut, tulip, horehound, pen- 
nja-oyal, dogwood, blue-eyed grass, violet, wild honeysuckle, 
fox grape, Indian tobacco, mullien, wild sweet potato, night- 
shade, chickweed, touch-me-not, dog's bane, spiderwort, elder, 
sumac, calamus, superb lily, hellebore, free primrose, ground 
laurel, laurel, whortleberry, wild indigo, wild pink, cockle, 
poke, strawberry, dewbeny, blackberry, sweet briei-. May 
apple, columbine, ground ivy, motherwort, catnip, trumpet 
creeper, water-cress, wild pepper-grass, passion flower, crow- 
foot geranium, snakeroot, pea vine, wild potato vine, dande- 
lion, thistle, wild lettuce, sunflower, ladies' slipper, sedge, 
nettle, burdock, hog weed, Indian turnip, cucumber. 

Zoology, — The animals native tothe region embraced within 
and contiguous to the District of Columbia in primitive 1 imes 
resorted to this vicinity in large numbers to feed upon the ricli 
pastures found upon the alluvial banks of the Potomac. 
Among these were several varieties of deer. There were also 
panther, black bear, wild cat, wolves, red and gray foxes, 
rabbits, beaver, raccoon, opossum, squirrels, (several varieties,) 
field mice. The larger species are exterminated. The num- 
ber of species of all kinds is stated at 42. 

Ornithology. — The feathered kingdom is well represent- 
f'd. Jefterson, in liis Notes on Virginia, speaks of 100 vari- 
eties of birds, most of which doubtless were found in the 



14 CLIMATE. 

District. The wild turkey was found in gTcat numbers. 
Tlie canvas-back dnclv, which in early days resorted to the 
vicinity of Analostan Island, is yet met witli in the estu- 
aries of the streams below the city; also the wild g'oose, 
swan, mallard, blue-winged teal, widgeon, and other spe- 
cies. In the swamps are found snipe, rail, blackbirds, 
and reed-birds. The country generally abounds in quail. 
The huntiug of feathered game is restricted by law. The 
autumn months genei*ally constitute the season. The car- 
dinal grosbeak, mocking-bird, sparrow, linnet, j^ellow-bird, 
thrush, sand-piper, king-fisher, and heron are also met with. 
The number of species of all Idnds is stated at 236. 

Ichthyology — The Potomac, within tlie District, is stocked 
with fish in great numbers, some of ^vhic]l are of the finest 
varieties. Those best known are the sturgeon, (weight from 
40 to 150 lbs.,) rock fish, (from 1 to 7^> lbs..) shad, bass, gar, 
eel, (three varieties,) carp, lierriug, pike, perch, (four varie- 
ties,) catfish, mullet, (three varieties.) and smelt. The shad 
of the Potomac are of excellent quality. In the season they 
are very abundant, and may be seen caught on the Virginia 
shore opposite the city ; also large quantities of herring are 
caught below the city. The laws of Maryland, as early as 
1768, provided for tlie protection of the iish. Subsequent 
acts placed a heavy penalty upon the destruction of young 
fish by weirs and dams, and to prevent beating with cords or 
poles at certain seasons of the year. A species of shark also 
ascends to the city. 

Herpetology. — There are about 50 species of reptiles. Of 
turtles and lizards there are several varieties. There are 
about 20 species of serpents, including the rattle, copperhead, 
black, garter, water, green snakes, and vipers. 

Climate. — The climate of the District of Columbia is gen- 
erally salubrious, though subject to sudden changes, particu- 
larl}^ in spring The means for a series of years, compiled 
at the office of the Chief Signal Officer (Reports for the 
benefit of commerce), indicate these general conditions of the 
atmosphere: Mean temperature, minimum, 7° to 9° Fah- 
renheit, maximum, 95° to 102°.5 ; mean Barometer, min., 
29.08 to 29.35 inches, max., 30.63 to 30.82; Rain Fall, max., 
5.8 inches to 7.8 in.; Prevailing winds, northwest. The 
hottest months are July and August, and the coldest De- 
cember and February. Sleighing is rare. In summer storms, 
attended with excessive lightning and thunder, are frequent. 
In the winter of 1874-5 navigation on the JPotomac was 
entirely suspended for several weeks on account of the ice. 



I House. 
It of State. 
department, 
^tment. 
Irtment 



18 Centre Market. 

19 Smithsonian Institution. 
10 Washington Monument. 
21 Statue, of Washington, 
zz Greenough's Washington, 
zj Statute of Jackson. 

24 Corcoran Gallery of Art. 

25 Botanical Garden, 
t of Justice. i6 Magazines. 

It of Agriculture. 27 Naval Hospital. 
L. " z8 Statue of bcott, 

20 Medicai Museum. 
30 Government Printing Ofhtc 

irracks. 3' Winder's Building. 

;2 Armory. 
jj Congressional Cemetery. 




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I Capitol. 

1 President's House. 

5 Department of State. 

4 Treasury Department 

5 War Department. 

6 Navy Department. 

7 Interior Department. 

8 General Post Office. 

9 Department of Justice. 

10 Department of .Agriculture 

11 Observatory. 
II Arsenal. 
1} Navy Yaro. 
■4 Marine Barracks. 
IS Cily Hall. 
■ 6 Jail. 



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'B.EWERK.'iiCKS. 

18 Centre Market. 

19 Sn ilhsonian Institution. 

10 Washington Monument. 

11 Statue of Washington. 
2i Greencugh's Washington. 

15 Statute o? Jackson. 
14 Corcorin Caller)- of .-Vrt. 
:; Botanical Garden. 

16 Magazines. 
i7 Naval Hospital. 
:S Statue of Scott 
19 Medical Museum. 
JO Government Printing 0*i 
;i Winder's Building. 
52 .\rmory. 
jj Congressional Cemetery. 




WASHINCTON, 

1H76. 



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WuhiDstoQ and its Imm, 



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MARYLAND 



SECTION II. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY. 




AVEXUES, SQUARES, STATUES, &C. 

^.^if^^HEEE are three points M'ithiu the city from which 
^E^^^tlu' finest views of Washington mav be obtained: 
1st. Tlie Dome of the Capitol. 2d. The West Por- 
tico of the Capitol, reached througli the central hall 
of tlie Library of the United States, od. The higher 
of the north central towers of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution. Outside of tlie city the best points are from the 
tov/er of the Government Hospital for the Insane, beyond 
tlie Aiiacostia, and the portico of Arlington House, b?:\'ond 
the Potomac. The stranger should nof fail to take advan- 
tage of at least one of these opportunities, and all vrould 
amply repay him. With the aid of this Hand-book and 
map iie will' thus be able to form a perfect idea of the city 
and the location of the principal public buildings. 

Topography. — The site of Washington covers an undulart- 
ing tract, which lies along the left or E. bank of the Potomac 
River, between Rock Creek and the Anacostia. From the 
rugged elevations on the banks of Rock Creek a crescent- 
shaped ridge crosses the northern portions of the city. About 
two thirds' its length it suddenly parts, to allow the fitful cur- 
rent of the Tiber through. From that point it rises and 
spreads out into the expa'nsive plateau of Capitol Hill, which 
overlooks the Anacostia on the E. Within this encircling 
ridge the surface falls away in terraces and gentle slopes to 
the banks of the Potomac. In different parts of the city are 
eminences wiiich aflord commanding situations for the public 
buildings. 

From the lower falls of the Potomac at Georgetown, where 
the outlying spurs of the Blue Ridge Mountains give the face 
of nature a somewhat rugged appearance, a chain of low, 
w^ooded hills range on the IST., and continuing on the op- 
posite shores of the Anacostia and Potomac, merg-e again in 
the hills on the Virginia side. These give the appearance of 
a vast ampitheatre,"in the centre of which stands the city. 

The mean altitude of the city is about 40 ft. above the or- 



1(5 PLAN OF Tli't: CUT. 

(liiiary low tide in the Potomac opposite. The more impor- 
tant elevations, accoi'dino; to levels taken hy Brev. Lient. Col. 
George W. Hughes, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 
1850, are as follows : 

Foundation of St. John's Church, KE. corner of 16th 
and H sts. NW., opposite Lafayette Square and the Presi- 
dent's House, 65.50 ft. 

Corner of I and 19th sts. NW., 82.10 ft. 

East base of Capitol, 89.50 ft. 

Base of Naval Observatory, 96.20 ft. 

Corner of N and 11th sts. jSTW., (highest point in the citv,) 
103.70 ft. 

The soil upon which the city is built is generally a yellow- 
ish clay, mixed with gravel. In digging wells near New Jer- 
sey av. trees well preserved were found at a depth of from 6 
to 48 ft. At one point a stratum of black mud was discov- 
ered at a depth of 18 ft. 

The Tiber — so named more than a century before Wash- 
ington was founded, in the belief, it is said, that some day 
upon its banks would rise a capital greater than Rome, like 
its historic and larger namesake — runs through the city, di- 
viding it into two parts. Its fountain streams rise in the 
hills to the N., and enter the city in several branches, the 
principal one in the vicinity of 1st st. W. ; it then pursues a 
SE. and S. course, till it crosses Massachusetts av., when it 
winds off to the SW. around the NW. base of Capitol Hill 
and across Pennsylvania av. and the Botanical Garden. 
Originally its course continued along the Mall and emptied 
into the Potomac immediately W. of the Washington Mon- 
ument. Subsequently it was diverted into the Washington 
Canal at 3d st. W., which followed the line of B st. N. along 
the N. borders of the Mall. The filling of the canal led to 
further changes. The Tiber and its tributaries have since 
been utilized by diverting them into the sewerage system of 
the central and southern portions of tlie city; hen(?:\ although 
the stream traverses one of the most populous sections, its 
course is not ti'aceable, the current flowing beneath heavy 
])rick arches, upon which buildings have been erected and 
avenues, streets, and parks laid out. In primitive days the 
banks of tlie Tiber were lined witli forests, and shad and her- 
ring in their season were caught in its waters, under the very 
shadow of the hill where the Capitol now stands. 

Plan of the City. — The plan of Washington was prepared 
in 1791 by Peter Charles L'Enfant, a French engineer of 
noticeable genius but eccentric habits, who had served in the 
Continental Armj^ with suflicient distinction to attract tho 



PROIOSED ExMBELLlirHMENTS. l7. 

attention of Washino'ton. In the work he was gieatly as- 
sisted bj^ the advice of Thomas JelTerson, avIio, when diplo- 
matic representative of tlie United States at foreign courts, 
had, witli an intuitive vision of the wants of the future, stud- 
ied the plans of the cities of Europe visited bj^ him, and was* 
competent and prepared, witli tlie aid of plans and liis per- 
sonal knowledo-e of their details, to contribute an invaluable 
amount of information on this important subject. Tlie plan 
adopted combines the artistic beauty and grace of Versailles 
and tlie practical advantages of Babylon, revived by William 
Penn in Philadelpliia. In the conception of tlie plan, the 
predominating object was to secure positions for the different 
public edifices; also squares and areas of different shapes, 
vvhicli would afford fine prospects. The avenues were in- 
tended to connect the most distant parts with certain princi- 
pal central points, to insure a reciprocity of views. Lines IST. 
and S., intersected by others running E. and W., were to 
divide the city into streets and squares. These lines were to 
be so combined as to intersect at certain given points another 
set of divergent avenues, so as to form on the open spaces. 
Every grand transverse avenue and every principal divergent 
one, such as from the Capitol to the President's House, was 
to be 160 ft. wide, laid out with 10 ft. sidewalks and 30 ft. of 
gTavel-walk, planted with trees on either side, and 80 ft. of 
carriageway in the centre. The other avenues and streets 
leading to public buildings or markets were to be 130 ft. wide, 
and others 110 and 90 ft. 

Its Execution. — The site for the Capitol was determined 
upon as the initial point in execution of this plan. That im- 
portant question having been decided, Mr.EUicott drew a true 
meridian line by celestial observation, Avhich passed through 
the area intended for the Capitol. This he crossed by another, 
a due E. and W. line, which passed through the same area. 
These lines were accurately measured, and formed the basis 
on which the whole plan was executed. Ail these lines were 
run by a transit instrument, and the acute angles were deter- 
mined by actual measurement, leaving nothing to the uncer- 
tainty of the compass. The avenues, and streets were then 
laid down. 

Proposed Embellisliments. — The ideas of the projectors not 
only contemplated a Federal City capable of great expan- 
sion, but also took in its creditable embellishment. Although 
the want of means and the general apathy of the Government 
and people allowed these suggestions to pass unrecognizad, 
it is interesting to observe that the disgraceful and neglected 
condition of the Capital of the United States for nearly three 
2 



18 PROPOSED EMBELLISHMENTS. 

quarters of a century ^Yas not owing to any imperfections in 
the original plans. Directlj^ S. of tlie President's House, in 
the triangular space between the Mall and the Potomac and 
the mouth of tlie Tiber, where the untinished and neglected 
Obelisk to the memory of ^yashington has stood for" over a 
quarter of a century, was located the site for the Equestrian 
Statue of Washington^ voted bv the Continental Congress in 
1783. On E. Capitol st., between llth and 13th sts. E., and 
about the centre of the liigh plateau between the Capital and 
the Anacostia, where four avenues intersected, was laid out a 
spacious square, in which was to be erected a Historic Column, 
to be used also as a Mile or Itinerary Column^ from whicli sta- 
tion it was intended to calculate the distances to all places 
within the United States and on the continent. This column 
would have answered the purpose of the celebrated Niphon- 
Bass or Bridge of Japan, situated in the Soto-Siro, or outside 
of the castle in Yeddo. This bridge is considered as the cen- 
tre of the empire. From it the Tocaido extends to all parts 
of the empire, and geographical distances are computed. At 
the foot of 8th st. W., immediatel}- on the banks of the Poto- 
mac, and commanding a tine view of the widening reach of 
the river below, was to be erected a Naval Itinerary Column.- 
to celebrate the first rise of the Xavy, and " to stand a ready 
monument to consecrate its progress and achievements. ' ' The 
crest of the knoll on which the Patent Office now stands was 
set apart for a National CJiwch and Mausoleum, designed for 
the use of the Government on occasions of public prayer, 
thanksgivings, state f unei'als and orations, and for any other 
purpose national in character. Tlie edifice was to be assigned 
to the special use of no particular sect or denomination, but 
to be equally open to all. It was also to be the place for such 
monumental or other tributes of a grateful countiy voted by 
the then late Continental Congress for tliose heroes who fell 
in the cause of liberty, and for such others as might be decreed 
a place there by the voice of the nation. Also, Jive grand 
Fountains were to be erected at diff'erent prominent points; 
one S. of the Capitol, in the large irregular space formed by 
the intersection of Virginia and Korth and South Carolina 
avs.; one on Mainland av., at the intersection of F and llth 
sts. NE. ; one at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Lou- 
isiana avs., near the present site of the Centre Market; one 
on IS'ew York av., at the intersection of I st., between llth 
and 12th sts. ISTW.; and one on the jST. side of Pennsj^lvania av., 
at the intersection of I st., between 20th and 21st sts. NW, 
It was proposed to supply these fountains from the spring* 
and streams within the limits of the city. Between the Capi- 
tol and the Botanical Garden it was intended to construct £ 



ORIGIN OF THE PLAN. 19 

Grand Cascade^ to be fed from the Tiber. Between Pennsyl- 
vania and Marjiand avs., from 3d st. W., a space of 1,200 
ft. was laid down as the main approach to tlie "Federal 
House" or Capitol, and by which it was intended to reach 
the upper square of the ""Federal House." The Mall was to 
form a grand avenue, 400 ft. wide and about 1 m. in length, 
bordered with gardens, to lead to the Equestrian Statue of 
Washingtoji, or where the Monument now stands, and 
to connect the "Congress Garden with the President's 
Park." On E. Capitol St., which was to be 160 ft. wide 
to the proposed bridge across the Anacostia, the pavement 
on each side was to pass under archways, with shops. On 
the S. of the President's Park was to be a well-improved 
"Field, 1,800 ft. wide and f m. long," part of the "Walk" 
from the President's House. This spacious reservation was 
designed for the more elegant houses and gardens of the city, 
to be used by diplomatic or other foreign representatives and 
prominent officials of the United States. Fifteen squares in 
the more conspicuous parts of the city were to be distributed 
among the States in the Union, for them to improve, or to 
subscribe a sum in addition to the value of the land for that 
purpose. The States were to embellish these squares within 
a limited time, by the erection of some appropriate statue, 
column, obelisk, or other appropriate mark, as they might 
determine, to the memory of the heroes of the Revolution, " to 
inspire the young," and designed to "leave a grand idea of 
patriotic interest." Other designated points were to be set 
apart for the erection, by the different denominations, of 
edifices for religious worship, ISTo burial places were to be 
allowed within the limits of the city. Also squares and areas 
unappropriated were to be assigned for the uses of colleges 
and other institutions. All dwellings or other structures 
were to be built in accordance with certain regulations, so as 
to preserve uniformity. 

Origin of the Plan. — The resemblance between the plans 
of L'Enfant for Washington and L'Xotre for Versailles will 
be apparent to any one who has visited the capital of the 
Western Republic and the magnificent royal residence of 
uie kings of France. The grand avenues de Sceaux and de 
fet. Cloud, diverging from the Cour Royale, are reproduced 
in Pennsylvania and Maryland avs., radiating from the E. 
front of the Capitol ; E. Capitol st. is the Avenue de Paris; 
the Boulevard du Roi and the AU^e du Potager in N. and 
S. Capitol sts. ; and the Allees de la Peine, de Noisj', des 
Paons, and de la Reine, which diverge from the E. extrem- 
ity of the Grand Canal, near the Basin d'Apollon, with the 



20 A RETROSPECT. 

omission of Allee de la Keiiie to tlie SAV., respectively, in 
Connecticnt, Pennsj'lvania, and ]Srew York avs. W. of the 
President's House. The missing- avenne in the plan of 
Washing-ton. the contimiation of Vermont av., would have 
completed the resemblance, but for the interference of na- 
ture : the Potomac and the mouth of the Tiber standing 
in the way of the extension SW. of the President's House. 
Other striking features of the design of Versailles are observ- 
able. Washington, however, having in view the practical as 
well as the beautiful, might be said to combine the plans of 
two cities. The streets running at right angles have a regard 
for the facilities of business. While over these, with an eye 
to beautiful prospects and the advantageous display of the 
centres of attraction, at long ranges are laid the broad ave- 
nues, carrefours^ allees, and lawns of the imperial retreat at 
Versailles. 

A Eetrospect. — Though the city was originally laid out on 
a scale adequate to the necessities of a metropolis of more than 
half a million inhabitants, and with the proper regard for the 
adornment of the Capital of a great people in the future, the 
crude ideas entertained by subsequent statesmen respecting 
the political status of the Federal Territory and city were ad- 
verse to any expenditure other than to establish there a sim- 
ple place of meeting for the representatives of the States — a 
sort of central agencj^, where the President and Executive 
officers might be stationed, and where Congress might come 
once a year or of tener, as the exigencies of the times required, 
to transact the business intrusted to them by the Constitu- 
tion — mainly to pass laws, appropriate money, levy taxes, 
declare war, ratify treaties, and confirm nominations. This 
class, then in the ascendancy, found it impossible, or were un- 
willing, to see anything national in the foundation of a Fed- 
eral Capital, and consequently opposed every measure look- 
ing beyond the mere provision of accommodations for the 
public offices. To build a capital in every sense s^'^mbolic 
and worthy of the Union was entirely foreign to their inter- 
pretation of the meaning of that portion of the Constitution 
which gave Congress the power to accept and exercise exclu- 
sive j urisdiction over a Territory to be solely v^evoted to the 
uses of the nation for the purposes of the Government. These 
notions, it would seem, were a revival of a practice in Ger- 
many centuries ago. On the left bank of the Khine, imme- 
diately below the ancient village of Rhense, on the ver}" brink 
of the stream, and apart from the habitations of men, is still 
to be seen tlie famous though rude rostrum or temple known 
as the Koenigsstiihl. It consists of stone seats, within a'^smaU 



RESERVATIONS. 



21 



circular Avail, and overhead entirely open to the air. Here, 
in the earlier ages, the German electors assembled to deliber- 
ate upon the affairs of the empire, to perform acts for the 
common good, to make treaties, and to nominate or depose 
the emperors. Washington, by the class alluded to. was 
viewed in the light of tlie Koenigsstulil of tlie United States. 
More mature thouglit, however, at last brought the people to 
look upon their capital as tlie political metropolis of the United 
States. This enlightened view is recent, dating no f urtlier 
back than 1861. It was not till 1870 that the march of much- 
needed improvement commenced. WitJi tiiis new state of 
affairs the Capital is annually becoming- more worthy of the 
greatness of the Eepublic of forty millions of people. 

Eeservations. — In the plan of the city a liberal allowance 
of space was selected and marked out in the most desirable 
localities for the sites of public buildings, parks, and for other 
pm'poses of the Government. These grounds were called res- 




THE MALL. 



er\"ations, and were numbered from 1 to 17, with an aggregate 
area of 541 acrcsj, 1 rood, 29 perches. Those still possessed 
by the Government — several having been sold or granted 
away since — are designated on the maps by their original 
numbers, but are popularly called after the principal build- 



22 RESERVATIONS. 

iii^ situated on tliem, or from the uses to which assigned, as 
follows : 

1. The President's Grounds include the N. and S. 
Parks and Lafayette Square^ extend from H st. on the N. 
to the mouth of Tiber Creek on the S., and from loth to 17th 
sts. W., with the exception of a square in the NE. and NW. 
angles. On these grounds are the President's House, con- 
servatories, and stables, flanked on the E. by the Treasury 
Department, and on the W. by the State, War, and Navy 
Departments. The former now building. Total area of 
grounds, 83 a. 1 r. 22 p. 

2. The Capitol Grounds include the E. and W. Parks 
and the Mall^ extending from 1st st. E. to the prolongation 
of 15th St. W., and between B sts. N. and S., with the excep- 
tion of a narrow connecting strip between 3d and 6th sts. W. 
This deflcient portion of the Mall in 1822 was granted by Con- 
gress to the municipal corporation, to be sold in lots, to pay 
the expense of removing the old canal from its location on 
the S. side of Pennsylvania av., between 3d and 6th sts. W., 
to the middle of the Mall. On these grounds are the Capitol, 
Botanical Garden, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Ag- 
ricultural Department. Total area of grounds originally, 
227 a. r. 8 p. Under authoritv of Congress, in 1872, squares 
:N'o. G87 and 688, in the NE. and SE. angles of the E. Park, 
were purchased and thrown into the grounds. 

3. The Park extends from the W. line of the Mall, on 15th 
St. W., to the banks of the Potomac, and is separated from 
the S. gardens of the President's Grounds by B st. N., form- 
erly the line of the Tiber Creek and the Washington Canal. 
The old channel of the Tiber entered the Potomac on the 
NW. border of this reservation. These grounds are occupied 
by the Washington Monument and the Government Nurse- 
ries. Total area, 29 a. 3 r. 9 p. 

4. The University Square extends from E st. N. to the 
banks of the Potomac, and between 23d and 25th sts. NW. 
On these grounds is the Naval Observatory. Total area, 21 
a. r. 18 p. 

5. The Arsenal Grounds, foot of 4J st. W., originally 
included the point of land at the confluence of the Anacostia 
and Potomac, from Greenleaf 's Pohit to T st. S., and between 
the mouth of James Creek and the line of 3d st. W. to the Po- 
tomac. Total area, 28 a. 2 r. 31 p. This reservation in 1857 
was extended by the purchase of the land between the line 
of the canal into James Creek and W. to the Potomac and 
N. to P St. S. 

6. The West Market Square, on the Potomac, at the 
foot of 20th and 21st sts. W. covered with water. 



RESERVATIONS. . * 23 

7. The Centre jMarket Square, between the point oi 
intersection of Pennsylvania and Louisiana avs. on the N. 
and B st. N. on the S., and from 7th to 9th sts. W. Total 
area, 2 a. 3 r. 29 p. This reservation in 1860 was granted to 
the corporation for the use originally designed, and is occu- 
pied by the principal market in the city. 

8. The National Church Square, between 7th and 
9th sts. W. and F and G sts. N., now occupied by the Patent 
Office. Area, 4 a. Or. 22 p. 

9. Judiciary Square, between the intersection of Indi- 
ana and Louisiana avs. on the S. and G st. N". on the IST. and 
4th and 5th sts. W., occupied by the City Hall and Jail. Area, 
19 a. 1 r. 27 p. Li 1819 a portion of tliis reservation was 
granted by Congress to the corporation for a Town House or 
City Hall. In 1845 another portion was granted foj- Public 
School purposes. 

10. Reservation iS". of Pennsylvania av., between 3d 
and 4^ sts. W., in 1822, w^as granted by Congress to the cor- 
poration, to be sold in lots, to pay for the removal of the canal, 
which then ran along the S. side of Pennsylvania av. to the 
centre of the Mall, from 3d to 6th sts. W., and to fill up the low 
grounds in that vicinity. Total area, 6 a. r. 31 p. 

11. Reservation between B and C sts. X. and 2d and 
3d sts. W. Total area, 3 a. 2 r. 34 p. Disposed of same as 
reservation jSTo. 10. 

12. Reservation N. of Pennsylvania av., between 2<^ 
and 3d sts. W. Total area, 1 a. 1 r. 4 p. Disposed of same 
as reservations Nos. 10 and 11. 

13. Hospital Square, from the Anacostia to 19th st. E. 
and between B and G sts. S. Total area, 77 a. r. 26 p. On 
this square stands the Magazine, Alms House, and new Jail. 

14. The IS'avy Yard, bounded by M st. S. on the K., 
the Anacostia on the S., and lies between the continuation of 
6th and 9th sts. E. Total area, 12 a. 3 r. 15 p. On these 
grounds are the buildings, docks, ship-houses, and works of 
the Washington ISTavy Yard. 

15 and 16. Eastern Market House Squares, near the 
J^avy Yard. These reservations were granted by Congress 
to the municipal corporation for the purpose stated. Ai-ea, 
:N'o. 15, 1 a. r. 21 p. ; l<lo. 16, 1 a. r. 23 p. 

17. Town House Square, the irregular space S. of the 
Capitol, between S. Capitol st. and 3d st. E. and E and H 
5ts. S., intersected by New Jersey and Virginia avs. Total 
area, 21 a. 1 r. 29 p. 

The aggregate area of the public reservations in the city, 
deducting those disposed of, correction of errors, and modifi- 
cations, is 513 acres. 



24 AVENUES. 

In 1812 the President of the United States was authorized 
to tal^e possession of tlie whole of tlie public reservations, and 
to lease them out for not exceeding ten years, on such terms 
and conditions as in his judgment might best effect their im- 
provement for walks, botanic gardens, or other public pur- 
poses. 

A detailed description of the reservations occupied by the 
Government will be found in connection with the public 
buildings or their other designating featurr . 

Avenues. — The avenues and streets nave an aggregate 
length of 264 m. — avenues 65 m., street.- 199 m. — and are of 
greater width than those of any other city in the world. 
With the alleys and open spaces at intersections they cover 
2,554 a., .or about two thirds of the area of the entire cit}^ 
The ratio of street areas to areas of three of the principal 
cities in the United States and the same number in Europe 
is : Paris, France, 25.8 per cent. ; Berlin, Prussia, 26,4 per 
cent. ; Boston, United States, 26.7 per cent. ; Philadelphia, 
United States, 29.8 per cent. ; ISTew York, United States, 
35.3 per cent. ; Vienna, Austria, 35.8 per cent. ; Washing- 
ton,' United States, 41.8 per cent. The carriageways of the 
avenues and streets are well laid, with a variety of pavements, 
amounting to over 115 m. ISTov. 1, 1872, in the following ])ro- 
portions : Wood, 34.71 m. ; round block, 5.05 m. ; compound 
wood and concrete, 0.87 m. ; concrete, 1 6.34 m. ; Belgian and 
granite, 4.01 m. ; cobblestone, 6.76 m. ; macadamized, 8.08 
m. ; graveled and roads, mostly in the county, 39.22 m. : 
total, 115.54 m. Cost, $4,081,716 78. At the time of going 
to press 50 m. were in course of completion. This length 
is computed on the basis of an assumed width of 32 ft. The 
improved styles of pavements have been laid on principal 
thoroughfares of business and pleasure and on the avenues 
and streets occupied by the better class of residences. The 
cobblestone, in streets less traveled, mosth^ soutli of Penn- 
sylvania av. T])e McAdam is but little used witliin the citj*, 
owing to the dust, but is extensively employed on tlie high- 
ways traversing the rm-al districts within the Territory. 
Originally there were 13 avs., named after the States in the 
Union when the city was laid out. Others on the first plan, 
but undesignated, were named after States subsequently ad- 
mitted, though not in the order of their admission. There 
are now 21 avs., nineteen varying from 120 to 160 ft. wide, 
and two 85 ft. wide, radiating from principal centres or con- 
necting different parts of the city. 

From THE Capitol — 

Delaware av., 160 ft. wide, N. 15° 44' E. to Boundary 



AVENUES. 25 

New Jersey av., 160 ft. wide, N. 15° 44' W. to Boundary. 
• :Marylaxd av., 160 ft. wide, N. 62° 25' E. to Boundary. 

Pennsylvania av., 160 ft. wide, S. 62° 27' E . to Anacostia. 

Tiiese same avs. are continued beyond the point of inter- 
section, and form the correspondino; radiation on the S. and 
W. Maryland av., W. of Capitol, JS". 70° 22' E. The inter- 
mediate broad streets intersecting at right-angles are N"., E., 
and S. Capitol sts. 

From THE President's House — 

New York av., 130 ft. wide, N. 66° 9' E. to Boundary. 

Vermont av., 130 ft. wide, N. 24° 31^' E. to Boundary. 

Connecticut av., 130 ft. wide, N. 24° 31^' W. to Bound- 
ary. 

Pennsylvania av., 130 ft. wide, N. 66 W. to Kock Creek 
and G-eorgetown. 

These same avenues are continued from the centre of inter- 
section at the President's House, and form the corresponding 
radiation on the SE. and SW. 

Pennsylvania a v., from the President's House to the Capi- 
tol, is 160 ft. wide, and runs S. 70^ 33' 30" E. New York 
av., W. of President's House, is 160 ft. wide, and runs S. 
70= 27' ^y. 

From Lincoln Square, E. of the Capitol — 

Tennessee av., 120 ft. wide, N. 32° 25' E. to Boundary. 

North Carolina av., 160 ft. wide, N. 62° 30' E. to Bound- 
arj'. 

'^lASSACHUSETTS av., 160 ft. widc, S. 62^26' E. to Hospital 
Square. 

Kentucky av., 120 ft. S. 33= E. to the Anacostia. 

Tennessee and Kentucky avs. start here, while Massachu- 
setts and North Carolina avs. intersect and cross, forming 
the corresponding diverging avs. on the W. 

Under the old corporation, with the exception of a few 
spasmodic attempts, as the necessities of an increased popu- 
lation became urgent, no efforts were made to improve the 
avenues, streets, and spaces. For a half a century Pennsyl- 
vania av. was the only improved thoroughfare. An act of 
Congress, approved April 6, 1870, authorized tiie corporation 
to set apart one half tlie width of any or all the avenues and 
streets under its Jurisdiction for parking, leaving a roadway 
of not less than 35 ft. width in the centre, or two such road- 
ways on each sicle of the park, should that be placed in the 
centre. Pennsylvania and Indiana avs. and 4| st. W., be- 
tween the City Hall and Pennsylvania av., were excluded 
from this arrangement. On July 8, of the same year. Con- 
gress authorized the paving of Pennsylvania av. at the Gov- 
ernment expense. Under the Board of Public Works, created 



26 



DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 



under the organic act of 1871 of the District, the improvement 
of tlie thoronglifares of the city was systematically under- 
taken. A plan of grades was adopted, to which all avenues 
and streets were made to conform. This gave a regularity 
and finish which do not fail to strike the eye with pleasing 
effect. 

Description of Avenues. — The broad thoroughfares are 
among the principal attractions of the IS'ational Capital, and 
the finest possessed by any city in the world. A drive upon 
them, especially of an evening, when thronged with hand- 
some equipages, aftbrds a truly enjoyable recreation. 

Pennsylvania av. is not only the principal, but also one of 
the tw^o longest in the city. It is, however, twice interrupted 
in its continuity — by the President's House and Capitol. Its 
width varies from 130 to 160 ft. It is about 4^- m. in length, 
from Georgetown and Rock Creek to the Anacostia, and is the 
main line of communication across the city. Along its route 
are the Washington Circle, the War and Treasury Departmeyits, 
and Presidenfs House. From 17th to 15th sts. the avenue pre- 




pkesident's house, 1870. 

sents a particularly fine prospect, passing between the North 
Park of the Presidents Grounds, in front of which is a side- 
w^alk 34^ ft. wide, and Lafayette Square. Erom 15th st. W. tc 
the Capitol it traverses tlie entire length of the finest business 
quarter and the fashionable drive. It thence winds up and 
around the hill surmounted by the Capitol, and continues to 
its terminus on the banks of the Anacostia. At the foot of 
8th St. E., leaving this avenue, is the ^avy Yard. Pennsyl- 



DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 27 

vania av. was also the earliest used. In 1800 it was opened 
and rudely drained from the Capitol to Georgetown. During 
the administration of Jefterson, from the Capitol to the Pres- 
ident's House it was laid out in three roadways. A row of 
Lombardy poplars was planted between the centre or main 
roadway and that on either side. A flag-stone footwalk also- 
ran from the Capitol to Georgetown. In 1825 the sidewalk 
on the S. side was paved with stone from the Capitol to the 
'Niiyy Department. In 1832 the trees were cut down, the 
curbs extended, and a drained macadamized roadwaj^, 45 ft. 
wide in the centre, laid out. The ''centre strip," however, 
was not entirely completed till 1849, and then was shaded 
with elms, maples, and "trees of heaven." In 1842 it was 
lighted with lamps from the Capitol to the President's House ; 
subsequently it was paved with cobblestones, and so remained 
till 1870. 

jNIassachusetts Avenue is the longest unbroken in the 
city, being over 4^ m. It begins at the NW. Boundary, 
at 22d St. W. ; is 160 ft. wide, and extends to the Ana- 
costia SE., intersecting New Hampshire and Connecticut 
avs. at 19th and P sts. NW., forming the P-street Circle; 
Vermont av. at 14th and M sts. NW., forming the Fourteenth- 
street Circle; New York a v. at 8th and K sts. NW., at Mount 
Vernon Place; New Jersey av. at 1st and G srs. NW. ; Del- 
aware av., between E and F sts. NE. ; Maryland av. and 5th 
and C sts. NE. at Stanton Place; Tennessee, Nortli Caro- 
lina, and Kentucky avs. and E. Capitol and 12th sts. E. at 
Lincoln Square^ and thence to the Uos2ntal Grounds on the 
Anacostia. 

This avenue is the most beautiful in the city, gi-adually 
rising to an elevation considerably above the surrounding 
lieights, from which it descends in easj'^ gradation to the mid- 
dle of the broad intermediate valley, and rises again on the 
east. On its route are the finest circles and squares. The 
roadway is in the centre, while on either side are brick side- 
walks and plots of grass. From Rock Creek this avenue is 
paved with concrete, and from that point to New Jersey av. 
wood i)avement. Beyond it is ungraded. 

Vermont and Connecticut Avenues, 130 ft. wide, 
extending respectively NE. and NW. from the N. side of 
Lafayette Square, pass through two of the most attractive 
portions of the city. 

New York Avenue, 130 ft. wide, is a fine thoroughfare. 
It begins at the Potomac and runs across the city in a NE. 
direction. From the Treasury Department it is parked in 
tlie centre, with a fine vista of young trees. 

Maryland Avenue, 160 ft. wide, extends NE. across 



28 DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 

the city from Long Bridge to the Baltimore Turnpike. SW. 
of the Capitol it is used for railroad purposes. 

IsTew Jersey and Delaware Avenues, 160 ft. wide, 
begin respectively at the Anacostia and the Arsenal Grounds, 
and i-un I^W. and 'N'E. to the Boundary, crossing each other 
at the Capitol. 

Georgia Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the Arsenal 
Grounds and runslSTE., near and parallel to the Anacostia, 
stril-iing it for a sliort distance W. of the ISTavy Yard, and ter- 
minates at the Hospital Grounds. 

South Carolina Avenue, 160 ft. mde, begins at Res- 
ervation ]S"o. 17, S. of the Capitol, runs NE., and terminates 
in Massachusetts av. 

Virginia Avenue, 120 ft. wide, begins near the mouth 
of Rock Creek and runs SE., crossing New Hampshire and 
ISTew York avs., to the Potomac, near the SW. corner of the 
President's Grounds. On the S. boundary of the Mall, at 
12th St., it resumes, the width being 160 ft., and terminates 
at the Anacostia, crossing Maryland av.. Reservation ISTo. 17, 
and Georgia av. 

Rhode Island Avenue, 130 ft. wide, starts at Connect- 
icut av. and M st. K., runs NE., intersecting Massachusetts 
av. at 16th and IS" sts. NW. ; Vermont av. at 13th and P sts. 
NW., to the Boundary. 

New Hampshire Avenue starts at the Potomac, be- 
tween E and F sts. N. ; is 120 ft. wide, and runs NE., crossing 
Virginia av., 23d and P-street Cu'cles, to the Boundary. 

Louisiana Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the City Hall, 
runs SW. to Central Market Square, crossing Pennsylvania 
avenue. 

Indiana Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the City Hall, 
runs SE. to 1st st. W. In 1850 it was improved from the City 
Hall. 

Missouri and INIaine Avenues, 85 ft. vsdde, begin at the 
E. line of the Mall at 6th st. W. : run respectively SE. and 
NE. to 3d St. W., the western limit of the Botanical Garden. 

Ohio Avenue begins at the E. line of the S. Park of the 
President's Grounds at C st. N. ; runs SE. to Centre Market 
Square. 

North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky Ave- 
nues, in the E. part of tlie city, are but little built upon. 

All these avenues are more or less improved by the lajang 
of stone, concrete, wood, cobble, or Belgian pavements, or 
macadamized or graveled roads, with parking. 

Executive Avenue, the construction of which began in 
1871, begins at Pennsylvania av. E.and W. of the President's 



DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. !^9 

House, and opposite 15^ and 16J sts. W. The W. entrances 
each consist of G massive granite gate-posts, upon whicii are 
swung- iron gates. The avenue encloses a portion of the Pres- 
ident's Grounds on tlie E. and W., and on tlie opposite sides 
are the Treasury Department E., and tlie War and Navy De- 
partment and the edifice now building for the Joint use of 
the State, War, and Xavy Departments W. A granite stair- 
case, 20 ft. wide, with a fountain at tlie foot of the E. one, is 
built in the terrace on either side of tlie President's House, 
completing communication by the gravel walks leading to the 
E xecutive Departments. The sidewalks are richly paved and 
well lighted. Passing S. of the President's House, on either 
side, at the prolongation of E st. 'N., the two wings of theav. 
form a semi-circle, the two extremities uniting opiDosite tlie S. 
Portico of the President's House, and proceed in a broad sin- 
gle line due S. to B st. JST., where the av. enters the Fark or 
Monument Grounds, and joins the beautiful Drive, commenced 
in 1872, connecting the President's and Capitol Grounds. 

The Drive. — Leaving the S. terminus of Executive av., 
the JDrive^ consisting of a graveled roadway of 35 ft., planted 
on either side with trees, sweeps along the banks of the Po- 
tomac on the right, affording a superb view of the expansive 
bosom of the river JST., till lost behind the hill crowned by the 
Xaval Observatory, and S. as far as the Long Bridge. On the 
left is a Lake, in course of completion, covering 3 a., fed b}^ a 
spring on its SE . border and the waters of the Potomac. With- 
in a small enclosure, about 100 yds. AY. of the Washington 
Monument, and on the left, near the av., is a gray freestone, 
a little over 2 ft. in height, which marks the centre of the 
District of Columbia, as laid out in 1791-'92. The Drive now 
winds around the Monument. On the S. may be seen the 
green-houses and plants of the Government Propagating Gar- 
den. The wooden buildings, still standing on the hill near 
by and used as Government hospitals and bj^ the Commissary 
Department of the United States Army 1861-'65, are now 
occupied for blacksmith-shops, tools, and storage by the 
Eng, in charge of Public Buildings and Grounds. The Drive 
enters 14tli st. AV. nearly opposite the entrance of the Ac/ricid~ 
tttral Grounds, and connects with the carriagewaj^s of that 
beautiful reservation. At this point also commences the Mall. 
Prior to 1816 this attractive portion of the public grounds 
was covei'ed with majestic oaks, which were cut down about 
that year, under the stipulation in the agreement of the Com- 
missioners with the original proprietors that the latter should 
be entitled to the wood on the lands. Even the trees which 
cast a grateful shade over a refreshing spring at the foot of 
Capitol Hill, near Pennyslvania av.^ were thus destroyed. 



30 STREETS. 

Orossing 12th st. W., the drive enters the quiet retreat of the 
Smithsonian Institution'^ and leaving this at 7tli St., enters 
Armory Square^ so named from the Armory of tlie District 
Militia located on the S. portion, and takes a winding course 
to 6th St. W. This portion of the roadway is 1,300 ft. long, 
and will cross the track of the Baltimore and Potomac Rail- 
road at 6th St. W. on an ornamental iron bridge, with a 40 
ft. roadway and 12 ft. sidewalk on either side, to be con- 
structed by that company in compliance with the act of Con- 
gress. From 6th st. the Drive continues through the reserva- 
tion to 4:^ St. W., and thence W. to the line of 3d st. W., 
terminating opposite the W. entrance to the Botanical Gar- 
den. It is proposed to extend the Drive across the garden, 
«o as to complete the connection with the Capitol Grounds 
without leaving the line of the Mall, thus carrying out the 
original plan of the city, which contemplated a walk and 
drive between the President's House and the Capitol. The 
Drive, in connection with the roads of the Agricultural and 
Smithsonian grounds, is nearly 2 m. in length. 

Streets. — The streets of the city run from IST. to S. and E. 
to W., crossing at right angles. The streets running IST. and 
;S. are designated numerically and by the words E. or W., 
.according to their positions with respect to the Capitol, w^hicli 
is the dividing point — as 1st st. E. of the Capitol, or 1st st. 
W. of the Capitol, and so on. The streets running E. and 
W. are designated by the letters of the alphabet and by the 
word N". or S., according as they are situated IS", or S. of the 
'Capitol, the dividing point — as A st. IS"., A st. S., which are 
the first streets IST. and S. of the Capitol, and so on. The 
streets E. of the Capitol number from 1st to 31st st., includ- 
ing the seven subject to overflow, and W. from 1st to 28th W. 

The lettered streets run to W st. :Nr. and to V st. S. The 
limit of the city inland, or on the N., is known as Boundary 
Street. 

To avoid confusion, the city is divided into 4 quarters or 
■sections— NE. and KW., SE. and SW. IST. and S. Capitol 
sts., running on a IST. and S. line from the Capitol and E. 
•Capitol St., and the prolongation of the same replaced by the 
Mall, running at right angles, constitute the dividing lines. 
The streets vary in width from 70 to 160 ft., and are paved, 
macadamized, or graveled, according to their importance. 

The avenues and streets are numbered after the plan 
adopted in Philadelphia ; that is, 100 numbers to each square, 
commenchig E. or W. and jST. or S. of the Capitol. For in- 
stance, 100 would be the first number beyond 1st st., and 
200 beyond 2d to 3d st., and so on, the intermediate numbers 



RENOMENCLATURE. 31 

ending in the block. The same rule is adopted for lettei-ed 
streets and avenues. 

Principal Streets.— E. Capitol Street, 160 ft. wide, ex- 
tending 111 front of the Central Portico of the Capitol E. to 
the Anacostia, was originally designed to be the chief street 
of the capital. 

IST. and S. Capitol Streets, each 130 ft. wide, and re- 
ceive their designation from the direction they take with 
respect to the Capitol as the centre. These streets lie on the 
Jirst meridian or longitude for the United States, as laid down 
by Ellicott, 1791. 

K Street ]Sr., the longest unbroken lettered street, is 148 
ft. wide, and extends from Rock Creek to tlie Anacostia. It 
is one of the most beautiful thoroughfares of the city, and on 
much of its length is bounded on eitlier side by line residences. 

16th Street W. is 160 ft. wide, and extends from Lafay- 
ette Square, opposite the N. Portico of the President's House, 
due N. to the Boundaiy. It presents a line prospect. 

Boundary Street follows on the line of the city limits, 
from the intersection of Maryland av., loth, and H sts. K'E., 
to Rocli; Creek on the W. 

There are a few streets which are not part of the general 
j)lan of the city. These vary from 40 to 65 ft. in width. 

Eenomenclature. — It is proposed to abolish the present sys- 
tem of nomenclature of the streets with duplicate letters and 
numbers. This plan is not only extremely confusing to stran- 
gers, but embarrassing and a source of great inconvenience 
to residents. The proposed renomenclature contemplates for 
streets running IST. and S. a system of consecutive numbers, 
beginning at 28th st. W., which would be 1st st., and termi- 
nating at 31st St. E., which would be 60th St., the additional 
street necessary to make up that aggregate being 4 J st. W. 
or 21st St. First sts. W. and E. at the Capitol would'he 29th 
and 30th sts. respectively. N. and S. Capitol sts. would re- 
tain their present names. It is also proposed to adopt for the 
streets running E. and W. a nomenclature which would re- 
quire no alteration in the letters, selecting for each the name 
of some citizen eminent in the service of the Government or 
in private life, the initial letter to correspond with the letter 
Avhich now designates the street. For instance: 

Streets North of the Capitol — Adams, Benton, Clay or Clin- 
ton, Douglas, Everett, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Jeffer- 
son, Kent, Lincoln, Marshall, ISTelson, Otis, Peabody, Quincy, 
Randolph, Story, Tompkins, Upshur, Yan Buren, and Web- 
ster. 

Streets South of the CaptYo?— Anderson, Bainbridge, Chaun- 



32 SEWERS. 

cey, Decatur, Ellsworth, Farragat, G-rant, Hamsoii, Jackson, 
I^nox, Lawrence, Marion, jSTasli or Kicholson, Overton, Per- 
ry, Quitman, Rodgers, Scott, Taylor, Union, Van ]S'ess, and 
Warren. 

Parking, — The street parks and sidewalks of the avenues 
and streets are generally pkinted with trees possessing tJie 
merits of statelincss and symmetryof growth, expansive foli- 
age, early spring verdure, variety of colors in autumn, healthi- 
ness, cleanliness, and vigorous and rapid growtli. The varie- 
ties used are tlie silver maple, American linden, European 
sycamore maple, American elm, tulip tree, sugar maple, sweet 
gum, red maple, J^orway maple, negundo, American ash, 
button wood, oaks, and European ash and linden. The trees 
are usually planted 40 feet apart. The American white elm 
lias been planted on E. Capitol st. The supply is kept up 
from the reserve Kursery on the banlvs of the Anacostia in 
the grounds S. of the Alms House, where there is constantly 
a Stock of upwards of 20,000 plants from 2 to 9 feet in height. 
In 1873, 6,000 young trees were planted. All are carefully 
boxed, and at intervals watered and pruned : the latter in or- 
der to preserve uniformity of growth. The narrow roadways 
and side or centre parking of the wider avenues and streets 
overcome their barren appearance, and adds vastly to the 
adornment of the capital. 

Quarters — The arrangement of the streets with respect to 
the Capitol, as we liave seen, divides the city into 4 sections. 
The Nortliioest Quarter constitutes the finest portions of the 
capital, embracing the President's House, all the Departments 
and Foreign Legations, the principal business establishments, 
fashionable residences and squares. The Southwest Quarter^ 
formerly known as "the Island," from its separation from the 
rest of the city by the Washington Canal, now filled, is gen- 
erally the quarter of persons of moderate means. In it are 
also the wharves. The Northeast Quarter is tlie same as the 
SW. The Southeast Quarter^ with a small portion of the XE., 
is known as " Capitol Hill," from the Capitol, which stands 
on the W. brow. It was intended, originally, to make it by 
art what it is by nature — the finest portion of the city. It has 
many attractions, and promises, in time, to compete with the 
magnificence of the West End. 

Sewers, — The cities of Washington and Georgetown, for 
the purpose of sew^erage and drainage, are divided into 5 sec- 
tions. 1st. Georgetown, embracing the limits of that city. 
2d. Slash Run, beginning at the intersection of Rock Creek 
and K St. N\V. ; thence along K to 21st :N'W. ; along 21st to 
I St. X. ; along I to 17th W. ; along 17th to H st. ^N". ; along 



SEWERS. 33 

n to 16tb W. ; along 16th to I st. N". ; along I to loth W. ; 
along 15th to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th W. ; 
along 14th to Boundary; along Boundary to Rock Creek; 
along Rock Creek to beginning. 3d. The intermediate sec- 
tion, beginning at the intersection of Rock Creek andK st. 
]^W. ; thence along Kto 21st NW. ; thence alona: 21st to I st. 
:N'W. ; thence along I to 19th NW. to G st. NW. ; thence 
along G to the Potomac River ; along Potomac River and Rock 
Creek to the beginning. 4th. The intercepting section, be- 
ginning at the intersection of Potomac River and G st. NW. 
thence along G to 19th HiW.; thence along 19th to I st. :N'W. 
along I to 17th ; along 17th to H st. N". ; along H to 16th W. 
along 16th to I St. ]Sr.; along I to 15th W. ; along 15th to Ver- 
mont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th ^Y. ; along 14th to N 
St. IST. ; along N" to Vermont av; along Vermont av. to O st. 
N". ; along O to 7th KW. ; along 7th to B st. IST. ; along B to 
6th W. ; along 6th to B st. S. • along B to Potomac River; 
along Potomac River following the borders of stream to be- 
ginning. 5th. The Tiber Basin, beginning at intersection of 
Boundary and 14th st. "VV. ; along 14th to N" st. IST. ; along JST 
to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to O st. JST. ; along O to 
7th W. ; along 7th to B st. N. ; along B to 6th W. ; along 6th 
toBst. S.; along B to Potomac River ; along Potomac River 
to the Anacostia; along the Anacostia to C st. NE.; along 
C to 15th E. ; along 15th to Boundary; along Boundary to 
beginning. 

The sewerage of the city formerly drained into the canal, 
which crossed the city from the Anacostia to the Potomac S. 
of the President's Grounds. From 3d to 15th st. W. it ran 
dh'ectly in front of the Capitol, and separated the beautiful 
grounds on the Mall from the rest of the city. This open mass 
of filth and disease was filled in 1872. 

The B-street Intercepting Sewe?'^ 1 m. in length and 12 
ft. in diameter, was constructed in place of the canal. The 
main branch empties into the Potomac at the foot of 1 7th 
St. W. One of the largest sewers in the world is the Tiber- 
creek Sewer^ so named from the stream which flows through 
it. It is a brick arch 24 to 30 ft. span, and 15 ft. high, and 
drains the entire city E of 6th st. W. — about 3,000 acres. Its 
outlet is at the Tiber arch, near the W. entrance to the Botan- 
ical Garden, on 3d st. W., into which the smaller branch of the 
int(5rsecting or canal sewer from 7th st. W. empties. The line 
of this gi-eat sewer, from its mouth, passes under the Botan- 
ical Garden and Pennsylvania av. IST. to E st. N". at its junc- 
tion with N". Capitol st., which it follows to K st. N. The 
portion from H to K st. is now under construction. The 
destination of this sewer is the Boundary, reached along K 
3 



84 SQUARES. 

St. K. to 1st St. E. ; thence by the latter. When completed, it 
will be 2 m. in length. Branch sewers of 9 ft. each are being 
bnilt out from 3cl st. NW. and F st. KE. From the Tiber 
arch a large sewer extends SE. The Slash-run Sewer, ^ m. 
long. 10 ft. span, named after the natural watercourses which 
enter the city in several branches on its N W. boundary, empties 
into Bock Creek. A 9-ft. conduit sewer is also being built 
along Boundary st., in the IS^E. part of the city, as supple- 
mentary to the Tiber-basin system. Small tile and pipe sew- 
ers convey the sewerage of streets and dwellings into the 
general sj^stem. There are about 10 m. of main sewerage, 
including o m. of brick sewers, from 4 to 9 ft. in diameter, 
and 80 m. of tile and pipe. 

Squares. — In addition to the grounds attached to the public 
buildings, and which will be described in that connection, 
there are a inimber of beautiful squares in various parts of the 
city. Those W. of the Capitol are — 

Lafayette Square, a parallelogram of 7 a., IS", of the 
President's House, and between 15} and 16J sts., frequently 
popularlj^ known as Madison and Jackson sts., respectively, 
from the earh^ residence of those distinguished gentlemen 
upon them. The broad av. extending to the ]^. is IGtli st., 
the high ground at its terminus being'Meridian Hill. From 
the President's Grounds on the S. it'is separated by a broad 
av., which extends from 15th to 17tli sts. This square is beau- 
tifully laid out in graveled walks with seats. It is adorned 
with trees and shrubberj', many of them rare and valuable 
species and in pleasing variety. It is lighted throughout 
with gas, two of the lamp-posts combining drinking foun- 
tains. A watchman's lodge, also partly for the public, stands 
on the oSJ". side. The building is approached at either end by 
circular walks, screened by rows of evergreens upon each 
side and in front flower beds. Two bronze Vases 7 ft. high, 
weighing 1,300 lbs. each, mounted on granite pedestals, stand 
on the E. and W. sides of the square. These are copies from 
an antique vase, and are the work of the brass foundry of the 
J^HYj Yard. They were cast with the permission of Mr. Robe- 
son, Secretary of the 'Ntxvy, and reflect great credit upon the 
workshops of the Government. In tlie'centre of this square 
is Clark Mills's equestrian statue of General Andreiu Jackson^ 
contracted for by the Jackson Monument Association, com- 
posed of the friends and admirers of the subject, who sub- 
scribed $12,000 for the purpose. In 1848 Congress granted 
to the Association the l3rass guns and mortars captured by 
the General at Pensacola. In 1850 an additional number of 
brass guns and national trophies, sufficient to complete the 



SQUARES. 



35 



statue, were doiKited by Congress. In 1852 Congress appro- 
priated funds for tlie erection of the marble pedestal upon 
which it stands, and in 1853 made a further appropriation of 
$20,000 for the statue itself, and made it the property of the 
United States. The statue is one third larger than life,' weighs 




JACKSON EQUESTRIAN STATUE. 

15 tons, and cost, inclusive of the value of metal and the 
amount contributed by the Association, $50,000. The hind 
parts and tail of the horse being solid, tlie animal is poised, 
without the aid of iron rods or other devices as in the great 
statues of Peter the Great, George III, and the Duke of Wel- 
lington. This was the first application of this principle. The 
statue was unveiled in the presence of a large number of peo- 
ple, Stephen A. Douglas delivering the oration, on the 8th 
day of January, 1853, the anniversary of the battle of Xew 
Orleans, in which General Jackson routed the Biitish forces 
under Sir John Packenham. 

From the N. line of Lafayette Square, on the E. and W. 
extremities respective!}^, diverge Vermont and Connecticut 
avs. On the former, just beyond I st. W., the first trans- 
verse St. N^., is Scott Square, and in the corresponding loca- 



36 SQUARES. 

tion on Connecticut av. is Farragut Square^ each containing 
li a. Both these squares have a paved roaclwaj^ of 24 ft. 
width cut through them, running on a Une with the avs. 
They are laid out in walks, with seats and drinldng fountains 
for pedestrians, and are in every way attractive popular re- 
sorts for the neighborhood. In the centre of Farragut Square 
is an ellipse, in which will be placed the Colossal Statue of Ad- 
miral Farragut, for whicli $20,000 was voted by resolution of 
Congress April 16, 1872. 

At the intersection of Massachusetts and Rhode Island avs. 
and N and 16th sts. a!iW., less than ten minutes' walk on 
16th St., due IST. of the President's House, is an unnamed 
square of about 1 a., situated in one of the most interesting 
portions of the city. In this square, erected in 1874, stands 
the Colossal Bronze Equestrian Statue of Brevet Lieutenant 
General Winfielcl Scott, ordered by Congress in 1867. This 
magnificent ' work of art represents tlie General hi full 
uniform, mounted on a war charger at rest. He holds the 
reins in the left hand and a pair of field glasses in the right, 
the latter resting against his hip, and with calm martial bear- 
ing surveys thefield. The figure is 10 ft. from the stirrups 
to the chapeau and horse and rider 15 ft. The pose is one 
of grace, dignity, and firmness. The charger, with ears 
tlirown up and nostrils dilated, every vein flushed with life, 
stands ready to obey the commands of his rider. The design 
is by H. K. Brown, sculptor. New York, and was cast by 
Robert Wood & Co., of Philadelphia, out of bronze cannon, 
trophies of the valor and skill of the G-eneral in the Mexican 
war, and donated by Congress. The statue weighs 12,000 
pounds, involved the labor of eight skillful artists nine 
months, and has cost $20,000. The statue is considered one 
of the finest of the kind ever made in the United States, and 
is not only creditable to the sculptor and the founders, but to 
American art. The pedestal stands 14 ft high, consisting of 
platform, sub-base, base, die, and cap, of Cape Ann granite, 
in five large blocks. Total height of the pedestal and statue 
29 ft. The platform is 26 ft. long, 13 ft. wide, and 2 ft. 
thick, and weighs 119 tons 1,197 lbs; sub-base, 20 ft. X 10 
ft. X 1 ft., 84^ tons; base, 17 ft. X 7 ft. X 3 ft., 41 tons; 
die, 15 ft. X 5 ft. X 5 ft., 38 tons; and cap, 17 ft. X 7 ft. X 
3 ft., 37 tons 1,500 lbs. Total weight of pedestal, 320 tons 
697 lbs. The entire pedestal, when quarried, weighed 400 
tons 621 lbs. These are the largest stones ever successfully 
quarried in this country, and among the largest, if not quite 
so, in the world. Great difiaculty was experienced m their 
removal to the seacoast, whence they were transported to 
the National Capital by sea. The site for this statue is ad^ 



SQUARES. 37 

mirably chosen, the broad street and intersecthig avenues 
affording a view of it from various parts of the city. 

Franklin Square, between 13th and 14tli sts. W. and 
I and K sts. N., comprises 4 a., and was purchased by the 
Government in 1829 iii order to secure control of a fine spring, 
the waters of which, as early as 1832, were convej^ed in pipes 
to the President's House and Executive offices. This water 
is still used for drinldng purposes at the President's House, 
it being considered better than that from the Potomac. The 
spring lies N". of the fountain, beneath two iron and stone 
covers, built in the arch constructed over tlie spring. It was 
not until 1851 that this square was laid out. In the centre is 
a small fountain, with a basin 30 ft. in diameter, and a keep- 
er's lodge, with otlier conveniences, near by. There are also 
several drinking fountains. The square is planted with a 
pleasing variety of ornamental trees and shrubs. 

Judiciary Square, on the original plan of tilie city, was 
designated reservation ISTo. 9, and was set apart for the then 
contemplated buildings for the accommodation of the judicial 
branch of the Government. It comprises 19^ a., and ex- 
tends on the S. from the intersection of Louisiana and Indi- 
ana avs., at the head of 4^ st. W. to G st. N., and between 
4th and oth sts. W. The S. portion, fronting on 4J st., is 
occupied by the City Hall. 

On the E. side, beyond E st., was erected the immense 
temporary wooden structure for the ball given in honor of 
the Second Inauguration of President Grant, March 4, 1873. 
In the jSTE. angle is the Jail. On the W. side, during the re- 
bellion, 1861-'65, wooden buildings were erected for soldiers' 
hospitals, afterwards donated to the uses of the AYomen's 
Christian Association, but since removed. This square is 
being made one of the most attractive in the city. 

Eawlins Square, on New York av., SW.'of the Pres- 
ident's Grounds, between 18th and 19th sts. W., containing 
about 1^ a., is beautifully laid out, with walks, trees, ever- 
greens, and shrubbery. It has two small rustic fo4nitains, 
with ornamental margins and centre-pieces of rock-work. 
This square, prior to 1872, was a Ioav, desolate waste. It was 
then filled 8 ft. to grade. In 1874 was erected there the heroic 
sized bronze statue of Brigadier General John A. Rawlins^ of 
Illinois, Adjutant General and chief of stafi" to General U. S. 
Grant, i864-'65, and Secretary of War, 1869. It was ordered 
by Congress in 1872, executed by J. Bailey, of Pennsylvania, 
1873, cast by Kobert Wood & Co.. of Philadelphia, Pennsyl- 
vania, cost $10,000, measures 8 ft. in heiglit, and weighs 1,400 
lbs. The Virginia granite pedestal, 12'ft. high, cost $2,500. 

Mount Vernon Place, at tlie intersection of Massachu- 



38 CIRCLES. 

setts and New York avs. and K and 8th sts. NW., till 1871, 
was occupied on the E. half by the Northern Market. It is 
now beautifully laid out and planted. In the centre is a 
raised circular space, containing* a bronze fountain. 

A short distance S. of Pennsylvania av., on the E. side 
of 6tli St. W., is what is known as Circus Lot; that part of 
the reservation in which it is embraced being set apart for 
that purpose. The rents are contributed to charitable insti- 
tutions. 

There are other spaces in the W. portions of the city, but 
are without name. Of these is the wedge-shaped space, of 
about 4 a., between 3d and 4 J sts. and Missouri and Maine 
avs., lying W. of the Botanical Garden; and adjoining it, 
on the y/., another area of 17^ a., which extends to 7th st. 
The W. portion is known as Ai^mory Square^ from being the 
site of the District Armory. Also one of | a., N. of the 
Mall, at the intersection of Ohio and Louisiana avs. 

Lincoln Square lies 1 m. directly E. of the central Por- 
tico of the Capitol, on E. Capitol St., and at the intersection 
of Massachusetts, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky 
avs. It comprises Q\ a., and is beautifully laid out in walks 
and planted with trees and shrubs. In the centre is a raised 
cu'cular mound, on which it is proposed to erect a statue to 
the President from whom the square received its name. On 
either side is a small fountain. It was in this square, in the 
original embellishment of the Capital, that the Historic Col- 
umn was to be built ; to serve also as a Mile or Itinerary Col- 
umn^ from which all geographical distances in the United 
States were to be calcidated. There is an excellent distant 
view of the Capitol from here. 

Stanton Place lies NE. of the Capitol, at the intersec- 
tion of Maryland and Massachusetts avs., and comprises 3^ a. 

A short distance S. of the Capitol, at the convergence of 
New Jersej^, South Carolina, and North Carolina avs., is a 
large tract, originally laid out as Reservation No. 17. It 
contains 23J a., or, on the first maps, 21 a., and was set off 
as the site for the Town House or City Hall, but has never 
since been considered in that connection. It is still with- 
out improvement, though the subject has been called to the 
attention of Congress. 

There are other squares in the SE. parts of the city vacant 
and unimproved. Of these might be mentioned one of 3^ a., 
at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North Carolina avs.; 
one of 2| a., at the intersection of Pennsylvania and South 
Carolina avs.; and one of Is^ a., on North Carolina av., be- 
tween 2d and 3d sts. E. It is the purpose to extend to these 
spaces the improvements contemplated. 



1 



ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. 



39 




WASHIXGTOX EQUESTRIAN STATUE, 



Circles. — The space at the intersections of the more im- 
portant avenues forms what are termed circles. 

Washington Circle, 23c1 st. "VV., at the intersection of 
Pennsylvania and New 
Hampshire avs., con- 
tains the Equestrian 
Statue of GeneralGeorge 
Washington^ hy Clark 
Mills, ordered l3y Con- 
gress in 1853, cost $50,- 
000, and was cast out of 
guns donated by Con- 
gress. 

It represents Washington at 
the crisis of the Battle of Prince- 
ton, the horse shrinking before 
the storm of shot and the din of 
conflict, while the rider preserves 
that equanimity of bearing native 
to his great character. 

The Fourteenth- _ _^ 
STREET Circle, at the WZT ^ 
intersection of Massa- " 
chusetts and Vermont 
ave., is chastely laid out in walks, and planted with ever- 
greens, shrubs, and flowers. In the centre is a rustic fountain, 
with a Scotch terra-cotta foundation-bowl and rustic stone 
centre-piece, and in different parts of the circle are rustic stone 
and wooden seats. A sliort distance bej^ond, on Vermont av., 
at the intersection of Rhode Island av., is the Thirteenth- 
street Circle^ as j^et without particular improvement. 

P-STREET Circle, at the intersection of Connecticut, Mas- 
sachusetts, and New Hampshire avs., is laid out in walks and 
liglited. 

It is designed to erect in this circle a fountain 50 ft. in diameter, with coping and 
centre-piece of handsome design in. marble or granite. A fine selection of evergieens 
and tsees will also be planted. 

The terminus of Pennsylvania av., on the Anacostia, widens 
into a semi-circle of nearly 5 acres, as yet but little improved. 

Triangles, — At the intersection of the avenues and streets 
are small spaces designated Triangular Reservations. Many 
of these E. and W. of the Capitol are planted with trees and 
shrubs, and are further beautified with small fountains. 

Birds. — A flock of imported sparrows was set at liberty in the public grounds in 
1871, for the destruction of insects. Each year new cages are placed in the trees 
for the accommodation of their increased numbers. These useful birds are fed reg- 
ularly every morning during the winter in Franklin, Lafayette, and other squares. 

Ornamental Gardening. — In 1851 A. J. Downing, the cele- 
brated landscape gardener, was employed by the Government 



40 engineer's office. 

to lay ont the public parks and reservations. The grounds 
of the President's House were to be extended to the line of 
the Washington Canal, now B st. N., and to be laid out witli 
a circular parade-ground, lined \A'ith ti'ces in the centre. A 
carriageway, by means of a suspension bridge, w^as to con- 
nect the S. Park of those grounds with the Mall, near the 
Washington Monument. A drive was to follow the Mall 1 o 
the Capitol. The Mall itself was to be beautifully adorned 
witii lawns, Avalks, drives, trees, and shrubbery. Lafayette, 
Franklin, and the other squares were to be laid out by the 
same person. The admirable schemes of improvement con- 
templated by this truly artistic gardener were suddenly in- 
terrupted b}^ his death in 1852. During the single year of 
his ser^dce he prepared a general plan for the laying out and 
beautifying of the public grounds. This, in a great measure, 
has been carried out bj'' his successors. In the Smithsonian 
Grounds may be seen a beautiful Vase, erected by the Amer- 
ican Pomological Society to the memory of Downing. A 
description of this tribute to his genius will be found in its 
appropriate place. 

Previous to this the attempts at the appropriate lajing out 
and planting of the public parks were both crude and spas- 
modic. In 1826, more than a quarter of a century after the 
Government had made the city its permanent seat, there 
were no public walks, save the dusty avenues. In 1831 the 
grounds around the Capitol and President's House were still 
in the unkempt condition of nature unadorned. In 1832 the 
old Treasury Building was enclosed. The next year the 
pedestal wall and railing were placed in front of the Park of 
the President's House, and the S. Park, near the mansion, was 
planted with trees. In 1834 the foot and carriageway were 
completed. In 1835 Lafayette Square was improved and 
planted, and supplied with lamps. In 1837 the W. Park of 
the Capitol Grounds was extended to take in part of the Mall 
from the circular road around the building to 1st st. W., mak- 
ing an addition of 8 a. The park was w^alled in and the grounds 
laid out in walks and supijlied with fountains. In the same 
year the President's Grounds were in more creditable condi- 
tion. In the S. park, towards the then line of the canal, it was 
proposed to lay out an extensive fish-pond, to supply the Presi- 
dent's table with fish. The public grounds, an eyesore to 
the community and a reflection upon the tase and liberality 
of Congress, were again neglected. 

Office, Engineer in Charge. — in 1871 a system of improvememts was 
inaugurated by Major O. E. Babcock, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., in charge of 
Public Buildings, Grounds, and Works. Congress annually appropriates from 
§100,000 to $500,000, to be expended under the Engineer's office, for salaries ; 



BOTANICAL GARDEN. 41 

the improvement and care of the public grounds not otherwise specially assigned; 
repairs and refurnishing the President's House, green-houses, and for fuel ; light- 
ing the Capitol, President's House, and public grounds; and construction and re- 
pairs of all bridges on the Potomae and Anacostia, and repairing and extension of 
Government water-pipes. 

Propagating Garden, — The Government Propagating Gar- 
den, originally on Missouri av., between 3d and 4} sts. W., 
is beautifully situated on the banks of the Potomac, S. of the 
Washington Monument. The garden covers 8 a. The forc- 
ing houses are supplied with ai)paratus for the propagation 
and growth of plants of the rarest species and varieties. In 
1872, from the old garden, upwards of 20,000 papers of flower 
seeds were collected and cured. These, with surplus plants, 
sometimes numbering upwards of 10,000, consisting of roses, 
chrysanthemums, verbenas, geraniums, begonias, and other 
hot-house annuals and shrubs propagated at these gardens, 
were distributed to members of Congress, and others notified 
by circular letter that such stock was ready. A Nursery is 
connected with the garden, in which trees and slu'ubs ar-e 
grown for the supplj'of the public parks. 




■ *. -.!.#'.. 1^1.-- ^•■••■^'^ i*-V Vi 



Copyright, 1874; DeD. R. Keim. 

BOTANICAL GAKDEN AND GREEN-HOUSE. 

Botanical Garden.— Open dm'h/. 9 cf. w. to 6 p. w?.— This 
mstructive place of public resort is situated at tlie foot of Capi- 
tol Hill, extending from 1st to 3d sts. "\V., and between Penn- 
sylvania and Maryland avs. There are two main entrances for 
pedestrians, one opposite the main central W. gate of the Cap- 
itol Park and the other on 3d st., opposite the E. end of the 
Drive. Each entrance consists of four marble and brick gate 
piers, with iron gates. N'o wheeled vehicles are permitted in 
the garden. The avenues diverging from the W. Capitol Park 
give the garden a wedge-shape, the narrower end facing the 
W. front of the Capitol. It comprises 10 a., sm-rounded by 



42 BOTANICAL GARDEN. 

a low, brick wall, with stone coping and iron railing, and la 
laid out in walks, lawns, and flower-beds. jST. of the Main 
Conservatory is a large fountam, with 9 main jets and a mar- 
ble basin 93 ft. in diameter. The fountain is supplied from 
the Acqueduct, and throws its highest stream to an altitude 
of 65 ft. This fountain in full pla}^ presents a beautiful ef- 
fect, especially when reflecting the ra5''s of the sun. S. of 
the Conservator}^ is a smaller fountain, with a granite basin. 
During the summer the hardiest plants, in boxes, are ranged 
on either side of the main walk, and contribute materially to 
tlie beauty of the garden. 

The Maiii Conservatory^ commenced in 1867 from designs 
b}^ Mr. Clark, Architect of the Capitol, consists of a central 
dome and two wings. The base is of marble and the super- 
structure iron. The entire length is 300 ft., greatest width 
60 ft., height of dome 40 ft., and wings 25 ft. The dome is 
supported on a brick column, which answers the double pur- 
pose of being a chimney also. Around this column winds an 
•iron, spiral staircase, which leads to a cupola surrounded by 
a balustrade. From this point the finest view of the W. front 
of the Capitol may be obtained. The key is kept by the Su- 
perintendent. There are 10 smaller Conservatories^ of brick 
and wood, in one of which is a Lecture or Botanical Class- 
room, with accommodations for 100 students. The latter fea- 
ture contemplates the appointment of a Professor of Botany 
by the colleges of the capital to hold lectures here. All the 
conservatories are heated by hot water, conducted in iron 
pipes, supplied from 5 boilers. Three of the boilers are in the 
vaults under the pavement of the dome of the Main Conser- 
vatory. The object of the garden is education and the dis~ 
trihution of rare plants. For the latter purpose there are 4 
conservatories devoted to propagation. All seeds are saved. 
The garden is under the control of the Joint Committee of 
Congress on the Library. Each member of Congress, on ap- 
plying to the chairman of the committee for plants or seeds, 
is supplied, if practicable. Boquets are frequently obtained 
in the same way. 

Botanical Collection. — The first collection of plants in 
this iSTational Conservatory was brought to the United States 
by the Exploring Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere, 
1838-'42, commanded by Captain (Rear Admiral) Charles 
Wilkes. Tiie collection was first deposited in the Patent 
Oflice, but in 1850 was removed to the Botanical Garden, 
Some of 1 he plants are still living, and a large share of the 
present collection are the descendants of those brought back 
hj the Wilkes Expedition. A few have furnished represent- 
atives for many of the principal conservatories of the United 
States and Em-ope. 



BOTANICAL GARDEN. 43 

The disposition of the collection is according to a geograph- 
ical distribution. Tlie strictly tropical plants occupy the cen- 
tre Conservatory, and those of a semi-tropical nature, requir- 
ing protection and lying towards the N. pole, are placed in 
the W. range and wing; and all indigenous to countries 
lying towards the S. pole are in the E. range and wing. 

The Centre Building or Rotunda^ temperature 80^, contains 
a fine variety of the majestic palms, called by Martins the 
princes of vegetation, and of Avhich there are 300 kinds, the 
most prominent being here represented. The most interest- 
ing in the collection is the palm tree of Scripture, familiarlj'' 
knoAMi as the date palm. Jericho, the City of Palms, was 
so called from the numbers of this tree growing in its vicin- 
ity. It was recommended to be used by the Jews in the 
Feast of Tabernacles. In Arabia, Egypt, and Persia it sup- 
plies almost every want of the inhabitants. The fruit i& 
used for food, the leaves for shelter, the wood for fuel, and 
the sap for spirituous liquoi-. It matures in 10 3'ears and 
then fruits for centm-ies, bearing from 1 to 300 cwt. at a 
time. Among the Arabs the pollen dust is preserved from 
year to year, and at the season of impregnation of the pistils 
or female flowers a feast called "Marriage of the Palms" is 
held. It is a singular historical fact, that the date palm of 
Egypt bore no fruit in the year ISOO, owing to the presence 
of the French armj^ in the country, which prevented tlie an- 
nual marriage feast. 

Among the other plants in this portion of the Conservatory 
are the fan, royal, ratan, sago of Japan and China, Panama 
hat, oil, wine, coco de Chili, sugar, and cradle palms; the 
East India bamboo; the tree fern, from ISTew Zealand ; as- 
trapea, from Madagascar ; screw pine of Australia, with its 
cork-screw leaves and roots in mid air; the cinnamon of 
Ceylon ; maiden's hair fern ; mango, a delicious fruit of the 
"VYest Indies ; and banana, that most prolific of all plants ; 
the great stag and elkhorn ferns from Australia, (very fine 
specimens,) and the dumb cane of South America. The sap 
of the root of the latter will take away the power of speech. 
Humboldt, during his explorations in South America, was 
eight days speechless from tasting it. The outer circle of 
the rotunda is devoted to the smaller tropical plants. 

The E. range^ temperature 50^, and loing^ 40=', are de- 
voted more particularly to the plants of the South Sea Islands^ 
Brazil, Cape of Good Hope, Australia, and New Holland. 
The principal specimens are the tree fern of l^ew Zealand ; 
the aloe and the Cafi're bread tree from the Cape of Good 
Hope ; the India rubber, the passion flower, the caladium, of 
Brazil; Korfolk Island pine of Australia, one of the most 



44 BOTANICAL GARDEN. 

beautiful and largest-growing trees in the world ; the queen 
plant, or bird of paradise flower, from its resemblance to the 
plume of that bird ; the tutui, or candle-nut tree, from the 
Society Islands, the nut being used by the natives for lighting 
their huts ; the coflee plant, and several varieties of cactus. 

To the W. range and wing^ temperature same as E., the 
plants of China and Japan, the East and West Indies, and 
Mexico are assigned. The most notable plants here are the 
cycadacese, of the East Indies, the largest in the country; 
the four-century plant ; the camellia japonica, or Japan rose ; 
the lovelj'^ lily of Cuba ; the historic papyrus aniiquorum, or 
paper plant, of Egypt; the tallow and leechee trees of 
China ; the guava, a delightful fruit of the West Indies ; the 
vanilla of Mexico, the species which furnishes the aromatic 
bean ; the black pepper from the East Indies ; the sugar cane, 
the cheramoyer, or custard apple, and cassava of the West 
Indies ; the sensitive and the humble plants ; the American 
aloe, or century plant, of Mexico ; the camphor tree fi'om 
Japan ; the tea plant ; the papay, an Oriental tree, which has 
the property of rendering the toughest meat tender ; a plant 
of the adansonia digitata^ or monkey bread, which grows on 
the banks of the Senegal, and reaches the enormous cbcum- 
ference of 100 ft. They are supposed to attain the age of 
5,000 years. They have many uses. Humboldt pronounces 
them the oldest organic monuments of our planet. There is 
also a specimen of the carob tree of Palestine, sometimes 
called St. John's bread. The pulp around the seed is sup- 
posed to have been the wild honey upon which St. John 
fed in the wilderness. There are other interesting speci- 
mens of the vegetable kingdom, including a pleasing variety 
of climbing plants. The arrangement of the exotics in the 
Centi-al Conservatory presents the appearance of a miniature 
tropical forest, with its luxuriant growth of tree and vine. 
Until recently the Conservatory was in possession of a speci- 
men of the bohan upas tree, of which such fabulous stories 
have been told. Each wing of the Conservatory is supplied 
with a fountain. In the W. range is a vase, brought from 
St. Augustine, Florida, and taken from the first house built 
on the N'orth American continent wdthin the present limits 
of the United States. A fine specimen of maiden's ban fern 
grows in the vase. 

Tlhe outside conservatories are generally used for propaga- 
tion. One, however, is specially devoted to camellia japo- 
nica, and another to that curious growth, the orchids or air 
plants. The botanical collection received some valuable con- 
tributions fi'om the expedition of Commodore Perry to Japan. 
The supply is kept up by propagation and purchase, and at 



LIGHTING OF THE CITY. 45 

raro intervals by scientitlc or exploriu::^ expeditious of the 
United States. 

Siqjerintendents of the Botanical Garden. — 1850-1852, W. 
D. Breekenridge ; 1852, William K. Smith. 

History. — The design of the projectors of the city contem- 
plated the location of a botanical garden upon one of the 
extensive reservations which had been set apart for public 
purposes. In 1798 there was considerable discussion as to its 
location. A deputation waited upon the Commissioners of the 
city and urged the S. Park of the President's Grounds, but as 
the object was the enjoyment of the public, it was seen tit to 
establish it in its present desirable situation near the Capitol. 
The topography of the ground, however, was most uninvit- 
ing. The Tiber flowed across one end of it, and most of it 
was low and marshj^, and exposed to tlie ebb and flow of the 
tides in the Potomac. There is a tradition that it was the 
earl}^ execution ground of the city, and that no less than five 
criminals were hanged there. In 1822 the Botanical Societi/ 
of "Washington was incorporated bj'^ Congress. The society, 
prior to its incorporation, through tlie individual efforts of 
those interested in botanical researches and investigations in 
tlie District of Columbia, had pj-epared a full list of plants, 
and as early as 1817 had arranged them according to the Lin- 
noean classification and the more fashionable arrangraent of 
Jussieu. The grounds assigned to the society were the same 
now used by Congress for that purpose. Under the auspices 
of the societj'' the marshy portions were dredged and con- 
verted into a small lake, into which tlie tide continued to ebb 
and flow. A few of the native trees were planted, consisting 
of fine oaks, buttonwoods. gums and persimmons. The 
only vestige remaining of these primitive efibrts at a botan- 
ical garden are two post oaks. After the discontinuance of 
the society the garden was used as a deposit for rubbish. In 
1850 the representative management was assigned to the 
Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. The first 
buildings were then erected, and the office of Superintendent 
created. This post was first filled by W. D. Breckenridge, 
who had been horticulturist and botanist to the Wilkes Ex- 
pedition. A systematic course of improvement was inaugu- 
rated out of the annual appropriations by Congress, begin- 
ning with the filling of the entire grounds to a depth of 5 to 
6 ft. 

Lighting of the City.— The lighting of the city is entirely 
by private companies. The first of these was incorporated in 
1848. In that year Congress made an appropriation of $2,000 



46 STATUES. 

for paying the Washington Gas Company for lighting the 
•Capitol and Capitol Grounds, to include fixtures ; for laying 
pipes from the main pipe at the Capitol to the foot of loth st. 
W., on both sides of Pennsylvania av., and for 100 lamp- 
posts and lamps and other necessary fixtures. This Avas the 
first use of gas in the city. In the same year gas was also 
first introduced into the President's House. It has since 
ffrown into general use. The Government provides for the 
lighting of all public buildings and grounds, and the District 
for avs. and sts. 

Statues. — The statues in the public parks contribute greatly 
to the adornment of the capital. The principal are Green- 
ougWs Washington^ in marble, in the E. Park of the Capitol, 
and those of Jefferson^ E. of the President's House ; Jackson. 
in Lafayette Square; and Washington^ in Washington Circle, 
in bronze; the Equestrian Statue of General Scott^ in bronze, 
is situated on 16th st. W. ; a statue of Lincoln, in marble, 
surmounting a small column of the same material, in front of 
the City Hall. A description of all statues will he found in 
■connection with the grounds in which they are placed. Statues 
of Admiral Farragut and General Rawlings have been ordered 
by Congress. In 1792 Jefferson urged the commissioners of 
the city to employ one Cerachi, an Italian sculptor, to exe- 
<iute the equestrian statue of Washington ordered by the Con- 
tinental Congress. The sum of 20,000 guineas was to be the 
cost, and Jefferson suggested the sale of city lots to supply 
the funds. 'No action was taken. In 1794 the same sculptor 
was brought forward as the best person to design and execute 
the Monument to American Liberty proposed to be erected 
E. of the Capitol, in what is now Lincoln Square. This was 
^Iso abandoned. 

Water Supply, — The water of the city is carried from the 
Great Falls of the Potomac, by the Aqueduct, a distance of 
12 m., to a Distributing Reservoir, 2 m. from Kock Creek and 
4^ m. from the Capitol. The daily supply is 30 million galls. 
^nd consumption 17 million galls., or 127 galls, to each per- 
son — the largest of any city in the world. The full capacity 
-of the Aqueduct is 80 million galls. A description of this 
remarkable work will be found in another part of this Hand- 

JBOOK. 

In the effluent screen well at the distributing reservoir are 
laid four 48-in. mouth-pieces for the supply of the city. Three 
of these are reduced in the pipe-vault to 36-in., 30-in., and 
12-in. Leaving the vault these three mains run parallel across 
the country to a small stream known as Foundiy Branch. 



WATER SUPPLY. 47 

Near this point tl)(\y strike tlie road jilong the Chesapeake 
and Oliio Canal, which the}' follow tlirough Bridge and Aque- 
duct sts., Georgetown, to liock Creek, a distance of 2 m. On 
tlie way tlie 30 and 12-in. mains cross College Pond, over an 
arch of 120 ft. span, composed of two 30-in. pipes. The 36-in. 
main is laid in the bottom of the creek. At Kock Creek two 
of the three mains are joined, so that the \\'ater is convej^ed 
througli two 48-in. pipes, which form an arch of 200 ft. span 
across that stream. These arches also sustain a roadioay for 
a horse i-ailway and general traffic between the cities of 
Washington and Georgetown. At the E. end of the bridge 
the three mains are resumed, and following Pennsylvania 
av. E., the 36-in main, laid by the District, enters L st. N., 
following it to ISTew Jersey av.; thence by that avenue, in a 
30-in. main, to Massachusetts av. and B st. IV.; thence, in a 
20-in. main, to lltli st. E., where it terminates; tlie 30-in. 
main, laid by the United States from Eock Creek, leaves 
Pennsylvania av. at the Washington Circle, following K st., 
Massachusetts and New Jersej^ avs. to B st. oST., and thence 
is continued in a 20-in. main through B st. N. to lltli st. E. 
A brancli from this main supplies the Botanical Garden, 
Smithsonian and Arsenal Grounds. The 12-in. main, laid by 
the United States from Rock Creek, follows the line of Penn- 
sylvania av. and 8tli st. E., thence to the Navy Yard wharf, 
on the way passing around the Capitol Grounds by A st. N. 
and 1st St. E. Distance, 4f m.; or 6f m. from the reservoir. 

These mains supplj^ all the public buildings and fountains, 
besides the daily consumption of the city. The branch pipes 
for the latter are laid at the expense of the District. By law 
the water-rates are regulated to cover the expense of laying 
new pipes and keeping old ones in repair, but cannot be a 
source of revenue. 

The total length of Distributing Pipes, Nov., 1873, was 
132.69 m., of which 16.89 were laid by the Washington Aque- 
duct, 10.41 m. by the late coi'poration of Georgetown, and 
105.3 m. by the City of Washington. The pipes are supplied 
with stop-valves and attachments. There are also upwards 
of 500 fire-plugs ; also drinking fountains, hydrants, taps, and 
water-services, water-meters, &c. 

A tax of |- of 1 cent, per square foot is assessed upon all 
property which binds or touches upon any street in which a 
main water-pipe has been laid. There is also an annual fire- 
plug tax on all buildings situated within 500 ft. of any main 
pipe, the owners or occupants of which do not pay an annual 
water-rate or tax. The annual revenues are about $150,000. 

In founding the capital, it was proposed to utilize the 
iSprings within the city, and the Tiber, which entered from 



48 THE HARBOR. 

tlie X. The eltvatlon of the source of the latter was 236| 
ft. above tide. Its water was to be carried to the Capitol. 
After also snpphing" the E . part of the city, the excess was 
to be conducted to the W. front of the Capitol, and form the 
proposed Cascade., to have a fall of 20 ft. and width of 50 ft. 
into a reservoir below. The nee the water was to be distributed 
into three falls across the W. Park, the Botanical Garden, 
and the Mall. In 1832 one of the earliest efforts in this direc- 
tion was to convey the water of Smith's Spring, 2J miles iNT. 
of the Capitol and 30 ft. above its base, in pipes to the reser- 
voir in the E. Park, and from thence into the building. The 
surplus was conducted under the building, and feeds the foun- 
tain in the W. Terrace. In 1838 Congress purchased this 
spring and 1 acre of land adjoining, and enclosed it. In 1837 
a scant supply was carried in pipes from the reservoir in the 
E. Park along the j!^. side of Pennsylvania av. to the Treas- 
ury Department, and subsequently to the General Post Office. 
In 1832 the spring in what is now Franklin Square supplied 
the President's House and " public offices." It does the same 
now, though the Aqueduct water has also been introduced. 
At the same time a new spring at K and 13th sts. NW. was 
opened, and carried a supply of 60 gallons a minute to the 
vicinity of F and 13th sts. NW. Also pipes were laid from 
a spring on New Jersey av., S. of the Capitol, and from an- 
other just W. of the ISTavy Yard, which supplied the SE. sec- 
tion of city near the Auacostia. Over half a century elapsed 
before the Aqueduct was built. 

Fonntaiiis. — In the public parks and squares are a number 
of fountains, some of which, though not elaborate in design, 
contribute greatly to the beauty of the city. The largest is 
in the Botanical Garden. There are also line ones if. and 
E. of the President's House and IS", of tlie Treasury Depart- 
ment. The latter consists of an immense granite urn, in a 
basin of the same material, with side outlets formed of lions' 
heads. In Mount Vernon Place is another, Avith a bronze 
centre-piece. Tliere are many of smaller dimensions. The 
first public fountain was erected in 1810, by the corporation 
and voluntary subscription, and bore the inscription, "By 
the Mayoralty. Robert Brent, Esq." 

The Harbor. — In front of Washington the Potomac, re- 
leased from the hills above Georgetown, expands into a broad 
lake-like river. 

The Potomac River rises in the Alleghany Mountains, and 
after a course of 400 m. empties into the Chesapeake Bay. 
At its confluence with the bay it is 7^ m. wide, and in front 



THE HARBOR. 49 

of Wasliington 1^ ra., with 18 ft. of water. The Anacostia 
at its moutii is nearly as wide as the main stream, and is 
fully as deep. Salt water i-eaches to within 50 m. of the city. 
The average tide at the Navy Yard is 3 ft. 

The Harboi of Washington consists of a channel extending 
from Greenle.uf 's or Arsenal Point, the upper point at the 
junction of the Anacostia and Potomac, to the foot of 17th 
St. W., a distance of f m., and also a small channel in the 
Anacostia. 

The Potomac Channel has an average width of 400 ft. up 
to Maryland av. or Long Bridge, between the depths of 6 ft. 
at mean low water, and narrows to 250 ft. at the Arsenal 
wharf. The greatest depth to the lower wharves at 6th st. 
SW. is 11 ft., and to Maryland av. 8 ft. Above Long Bridge 
this channel gradually shoals, and is lost in the flats off 
17th St. 

The Anacostia Channel has an average width of 350 ft., 
between the depths of 6 ft. on either side, and narrows to 
*250 ft. The greatest depth to the ]l!^avy Yard is 14 ft., and 
1 m. above is but 6 ft. 

The Harbor of Georgetown consists of a depression in the 
bed of the Potomac, lying between the town front on the left 
bank and. "-1 small portion of the right or Virginia bank and 
Analostan Island, near the same bank. This harbor has an 
average width of 800 ft., with an average depth of 25 ft. at 
mean low water. The depth over the bar in the main chan- 
nel of the Potomac just below this harbor is but 10 ft. at 
mean low water. This depth has been increased to 15 ft. by 
dredging. 

The Main Channel^ starting at the harbor of Georgetown, 
runs between Analostan Island andEasby's Point, the S. end 
of 27th St. W., along the bank of the river to the W. end of 
Long Bridge, and thence to Geisborough, or the lower point 
of the mouth of the Anacostia. Off this it joins the channel 
of the Anacostia and that from the Potomac front of Wash- 
ington. Here the three unite, and form the broad channel, 
which extends down the main river. The length of the main 
channel from the canal aqueduct at Georgetown to deep 
water at Geisborough Point is 4f m. The "depth at mean 
high Avater at the shoalest place in the Potomac below Wash- 
ington is 22 ft. Between the main channel of the Potomac 
ami the shore lying between 17th and 27th sts. W. lies an 
expansive marsh of about 1,000 a., known as the flats, and 
mostly covered with a rank growth of water-grass. One third 
is clear at low water, and the remainder is covered from 1 to 
4 ft. It is stated by the engineers who have made a survey 
4 



50 COMiMERCE. 

that these deposits increase yearlj'' as the shores above are' 
cleared of forest. 

Wharves. — The wharves of the city, along the banks of the 
Potomac, at the foot of 17th St., are used by wood and sand 
craft ; and 7th st. W., by steamboats and schooners. Those 
on the Anacostia, W. of the ]!^avy-yard, are used for wood, 
lumber, coal, stone, sand, and other articles brought to the 
Washington market. The 17th st. wharves are among 
the oldest, and were known as early as 1806 as Van Ness 
wharves, after General Van ]S"ess, their owner. At this point 
also was the entrance to the old Washington Canal. The 
ruins of the Van Ness warehouse are still to be seen near by. 

Oanal. — For the convenience of the wood, coal, and sand- 
boats, and other small craft, James Creek, which enters the 
Anacostia immediately E. of the Arsenal, has been dredged 
to a depth of 8 ft. at low^- water mark, and widened to 60 ft. 
as far as Virginia av. at its intersection witli S. Capitol st. 
It is the design ultimately to abandon the present wharves at 
the foot of 17th st. W. The old Washington Canal, which 
connected the Anacostia at the foot of 2d st. E. with the Po- 
tomac at the foot of 17th st. W., commenced in 1791 and fin- 
ished in 1837, has been filled from 3d to 17th sts. W., and a 
covered sewer built in its place. 

Commerce. — In addition to its central location, consid- 
ered with reference to the bounds of the United States iu 
1790, the site for the Federal City on the Potomac Kiver also 
had the advantage of easy w^ater communication with the 
Chesapeake Bay and the Ocean. Its location was also farther 
inland than could have been secured on tide water on any 
other navigable stream on the Atlantic seaboard. In those 
early days such recommendations were paramount. The pro- 
ject of improving the na^^gation of the Potomac and the con- 
struction of a canal to connect with the head-waters of the 
Ohio promised an increase of these facilities. Alexandria, 
7 m. below, already enjoyed a considerable commerce with 
the cities and towns on tlie Chesapeake, along the Atlantic 
coast, and the ports of foreign lands. Georgetown, just above, 
also had a local trade of some importance. The introduction 
of steam on the Potomac took place shortly after its satisfac- 
tory application as a motive power in navigation. The Wash- 
ington, Alexandria, and Baltimore Steam-packet Company 
was succeeded by the Washington, Alexandria, and George- 
town Steam-packet Company, incorporated in 1829. The" 
facilities of travel on the river and bay, and to points N. by 
sea, have at different times since been largely augmented. 



HARBOR IMPROVEMENT. 51 ; 

Merchant vessels belonging- to the customs district of George- 
town, which includes Washington — 1872, sail 78, 2,081 tons; 
steam 25, 5,084^ tons; unrigged 309, 18,490^ : total 412, 25,- ' 
656 tons. There is an extensive home trade on the Potomac 
Eiver and Chesapeake Bay, and by Sea, with the cities on ' 
the Atlantic seaboard. Direct foreign trade, however, is 
small, all imported goods being received through other ports. : 
In 1872 but one foreign vessel arrived. The dutiable imports 
amounted to but $1,804, and domestic exports $2,416. 

Harbor Improvement.— In 1872 a board of officers was ap- 
pointed, under an act of Congress, with a view to the im- 
provement of the channel of the river and the water fronts 
of Washington and Georgetown for commercial purposes, 
and the reclamation of the poisonous marsh opposite the city. 
The board reported three plans, that most favored proposing 
but one channel, of sufficient width and tlepth for all purposes , 
a direct continuation of the river at Georgetown, to run along 
the right bank of the river as far down as Gravelly Point, and 
thence directly toward Geisborough Point on the left bank, 
joining the deep channel of the river at that point, following 
nearly the present main channel of the river, and affording a 
frontage of 7 m. The channel, 23 ft deep, would be of suffi- 
cient width to enable the largest vessels to move with ease 
and free from danger of grounding, and also to discharge the 
heaviest freshets. The great freshet of about 1852 swelled 
the river at the old Chain Bridge, just below the Little Falls, 
to a height of 43 feet above mean high water ; at the Aque- 
duct Bridge, 10 ft. ; at the Arsenal, about 3| m. below, 4f ft.; 
and at Alexandria, about 3^ m. still lower down, 2^ ft. The 
^^adth of channel adopted for the Anacostia is 600 ft., with a 
depth of 23 ft. at mean low water at the Navy Yard Bridge. 
For the transshipment of coal from the Chesapeake and Ohio 
Canal, in front of Georgetown, it is proposed to erect suitable 
docks and piers^ to be continued bylines of bulkhead, includ- 
ing piers, the whole commencing at the NE. corner of High 
and Water sts., Georgetown, and extending along the entire 
Washington front on the Potomac and Anacostia to the outer 
end of the N. abutment of Anacostia Bridge. 

With these improvements Long Bridge would be recon- 
structed, with spans of not less than 200 ft., and a pivot-draw, 
with two openings of not less than 160 ft. clear in each, the 
bridge to be constructed for railroad and ordinary travel. The 
estimated cost of the whole work is $6,000,000 ; or less expen- 
sive materials, $4,000,000. Land reclaimed, 1023 a.; time to 
complete, 4 yrs. 



52 BRIDGES. 

It is proposed to remove the ]N"aval Observatory, and use 
the earth for filling. 

Extension of the Oity, — Long Bridge, to the water front, to 
be designated Railroad Avenue^ would be laid out in a road- 
way 200 ft. wide, with space for rail-tracks in the centre and 
a carriageway on either side. The irregular space between 
Maryland av. continued to the water, Kailroad av., and the 
bulkhead, including streets, 44 a., with 4 piers, to be re- 
served for railroad freight depots and workshops. The Mall 
would be extended W. to proposed Potomac av., would give 
an aggregate length of 2y'^ m., and would form a magnifi- 
cent triple avenue, sweeping aw^ay in front of the W. fa- 
fade of tlie Capitol, by the side of which would tower the 
Washington Monument, and along w^hich could be erected 
statues and monuments to the memory of the great men of 
the Republic. The general system of streets and avenues 
would be extended over the reclaimed ground outside of the 
Government reservations, 454 a., with the exception of Rail- 
road av., now Long Bridge and Potomac av., 200 ft. wide, to 
run the entire lengtli inside tlie bulkhead. The street, .100 ft. 
wide inside the bulkheads, on the Anacostia front, called by 
the name of that stream, would run from the Arsenal to the 
Navy-yard. 

Bridges. — There are n-o fine bridges across the Potomac or 
Anacostia connecting Washington with tiie opposite shore. 
At the beginning of the present centmy there were four 
bridges : one across the Potomac into Virginia, and three 
across tlie Anacostia ; all owned by private companies. Tliere 
are now the Long Bridge across tlie Potomac, which is also 
used for a railway, and the ISTavy Yard and Benning's, or tlie 
Upper Bridge, across the Anacostia. The Baltimore and 
Potomac Railroad Bridge also crosses the Anacostia above 
the ISTavy-yard. 

In 1809 a pile bridge, 1 m. long, with a draw on the E. and 
W. ends, was in use across the Potomac. The SW. end was 
destroyed in 1814, by order of the Government, during the 
presence of a foreign enemy. It was restored in 1816. In 
1832 tlie Government purchased it and built a new one, which 
was destroyed by ice in 1836. It was restored in 1838. In 
1850 it was proposed to build an iron or stone arched bridge, 
but after plans were submitted the matter dropped. The 
railroad portion of the present Potomac bridge was built in 
1872. The entire structure consists of a way for vehicles 
and pedestrians and for the track of the Washington and 
Alexandria Railroad. Kear the Washington end is a small 
draw over the E . channel. From this point a causeway crosses 



BRIDGES. 53 

the marshes of the river to the Virguiia channel, which is sur- 
mounted by a wooden structure, with a draw sufficient to ad- 
mit of the passage of the largest vessels. It was by this bridge 
that most of the vast armies of the United States marched into 
Virginia during the rebellion, 1861-'65. 

In 1814 the bridges over the Anacostia were also burned 
by order of the Government. In 1819 the Navy Yard Bridge^ 
which crosses the Anacostia from the foot of 11th st. E. and 
terminates at Uniontown, or E. Washington, was built. It 
is a dilapidated wooden structure, with a small draw. It is 
proposed to erect a new bridge, witli stone abutments and 
iron superstructure. Above is the Baltimore and Potomac 
Railroad Bridge. 

The Chain Bridge across the Potomac at the Little Falls, 
4 m. above Washington, connecting the District of Columbia 
and Virginia, was built before 1811, and was a chain suspen- 
sion bridge. This name has always been retained, though 
several structures — the last a Howe truss bridge, partlj^ car- 
ried away in 1870 — have since been demolished b}^ ice gorges 
and freshets, which rise to 40 ft. Tlie present wrought-iron 
truss bridge was ordered by Congress in 1872, built b}^ Clark, 
Reeves & Co., Phoenixville, Penna., was erected and opened 
in 1874. It is 1,350 ft. long, 20 ft. wide, 26 ft. high, and has 8 
spans, from IGO to 170 ft. each. The floor beams are 15-in. 
rolled iron; planking, 3-in. Korth Carolina Pine ; stands 30 
ft. over the main channel, and cost $100,000. The bridge 
rests on the old stone piers, raised 18 in., and is free. It is a 
verj^ fine structure, and the country around is wild and ro- 
Qiantic and is well worthy of a visit. It is also visible from 
the aqueduct road. 

The other bridges within the District are Benning''s, a 
wooden structure, ^ m. above the Navy Yard, and the Aque- 
duct of the Alexandria Canal at Georgetown. 

All bridges across the Potomac, except the Aqueduct Bridge 
it Georgetown, are now the property of the Government, 
mO.free to the public. 

Communication between Washington and Georgetown 
across Rock Creek is maintained by three bridges. The 
Pennsylvania-av. Bridge is a fine iron structure, consisting 
of an arch of 200 feet, formed by two 4S-in pipes, used to con- 
vey the aqueduct water into the city, and upon which rests 
the roadway. The M and P-st. Bridges are also superior 
specimens of bridge architecture. The James Creek Canal, 
HI the SE. parts of the citj^, is spanned by iron and stone 
bridges. In the county stone culverts are used over natm'al 
watercourses. 



s5.4 TELEGRAPHS. 

Street Eailways. —Since 1862, when first incorporated, these 
•popular modes of city conveyance have been greatly extended . 
Two lines cross the city E. to W. and two IS", to S., and from 
Pennsylvania av. on 15th st., opposite the jSTE. angle of the 
Treasury N., to the Boundary on 14th st. W., and another 
from the same point to the E . Boundary. New enterprises of 
this character are laid out or in course of completion. There 
are 45 m. of st. railway in the two cities and District, estimated 
on the basis of a single track. [See General Information.] 

Eailroads. — The capital is accessible by railway from all 
parts of the United States. Previous to the establishment of 
railways, the Government patronized the opening of wagon- 
roads and canals to carry all trade centering at the District 
into the city. A through road of communication across the 
Alleghenies was fostered and carried to completion. In 1828 
Congress authorized the railroad company incorporated by 
the State of Maryland to build a road from Baltimore to Wash- 
ington, to enter the District and city; Congress merely re- 
taining jurisdiction of the soil. This was the first effort to 
establish railway communication with the l^ational Capital. 
A lateral branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad into 
Washington was authorized in 1831. By 1841 there were 
two trains, daily, each way, between Washington and Balti- 
more — time, 2J hours. The incorporation of the Washing- 
ton and Alexandria in 1854, and the lateral branches of the 
Baltimore and Potomac in 1867, together with the extensions 
of the Baltimore and Ohio, have connected the National Cap- 
ital with the railroad systems of the E., N., W., and S. [See 
General Information.'] 

\ Telegraphs.— In 1843 Congress appropriated $30,000, to be 
expended under the Secretary of the Treasury, for testing the 
capacity and usefulness of the system of electro-magnetic tele- 
graphs invented by Samuel F. B. Morse, of N'ew York, for the 
use of the Grovernment of the United States. In 1845 the line 
was completed between Washington and Baltimore . In 1846 
Congress ordered that the proceeds of the line be placed in 
the Treasury of the United States for the benefit of the Post 
Office Department, in the same manner as revenues from post- 
ages. Fi-om this beginning the present extensive system of 
telegraphic communication began. The various lines are now 
owned by private corporations. The telegraph is now the 
principal means of conveying mtelligence respecting the op- 
erations of the Government to the people of the country 
through the newspapers. [See General Infoi-mation.] 



SECTION III. 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. 




mSTOKICAL KETROSPECT. 

jHE Legislative and Executive branches of the 
Government occupy buildings erected expressly 
for their accommodation. The co-ordinate, or Judi- 
cial branch, is yet without a structure of its own, 
though such provision for its accommodation was 
originally contemplated. The Capitol is devoted 
to the purposes of Congress, and affords limited facilities 
for the sessions and business of the Supreme Court of the 
United States and Court of Claims. The Executive, with 
its various departments, occuijies a number of buildings. 
The public edifices used for these purposes are not only 
attractive in architecture, but are immense in proportions, 
and practically without limit in durability. They are all 
built of the best qualities of granite, marble, or freestone, 
with interior finish of brick, iron, and glass. In comparison 
with the buildings of other Governments, used strictly for 
governmental purposes, they are without an equal, and more 
frequently without a rival. 

The buildings occupied by the executive offices are desig- 
nated according to the nature of the executive business trans- 
acted in them. For instance, the Treasury Department con- 
tains the various offices under the direction of the Secretary of 
the Treasury. There is one exception, however : the building 
occupied by the Department of the Interior, which is known 
as the Patent Office, it having been erected to serve for the 
display of models. The Patent Office proper is but a biu-eau 
of the Department of the Interior. 

The increase of the Government business and the inad- 
equate accommodations afforded by the public buildings, 
commodious as they are, has necessitated, in a number of 
cases, the purchase or renting of private buildings in different 
parts of the city. 
The Department of Justice occupies the upper portion of 

55 



56 THE CAPITOL. 

the Freedmen's Bank building. Winder's building, origi- 
nallj^ erected for a hotel, now owned by tlie Government, is 
used by several of the bureaus of the War Department. A 
number of the bureaus of the other executive offices are 
similarly provided for. 

The tirst edifices built for the accommodation of tlie exec- 
utive offices were the War Office, 450 ft. SW., and tlie Treas- 
my, on a corresponding site SE. of the President's House; 
the former before and the latter after 1800. Both faced S. 
The War Office, now the Navy Department, was later trans- 
ferred to the new building on tlie N". In 1818 Congress au- 
thorized the erection of tWo new buildings IST. of tliose tlien 
standing. These were completed during the administration 
of President Monroe. Tlie four structures were then desig- 
nated according to their location with respect to the Presi- 
dent's House; that is, the NE., SE., NW., and SW. Execu- 
tive Buildings — respectively State, Treasury, War, and NaAy 
Departments. The site of tlie first two is now occupied by 
the Treasury Department. The War and Navy Departments 
are still standing, but will shortly be removed, to make room 
for the new State, War, and Navy Department now build- 
ing. The first building, designed by George Hadfield, Archi- 
tect of the Capitol, formed the models for all. They were 
brick, originally 2 stories high, 120 to 160 ft. fi'ont, 60 ft. deep, 
and "?G ft. high, with a freestone basement and Ionic portico. 
They were subsequently raised and otherwise modified. It 
was originally intended to have a passage betw^een them and 
the President's House, but this was abandoned. The SE. 
building, or Treasury Department, was destroyed by fire in 
March, 1833. It then occupied temporary quarters on Penn- 
sylvania av. In 1836 the erection of a new Treasury Depart- 
ment, more suitable in design and dimensions, was com- 
menced on the site of the old. Before the business of the 
Government became so great, all the offices were accom- 
modated in the four buildings. The Patent Bureau then oc- 
cupied rooms in the NE., the Attorney General's Office and 
Indian Bureau in the NW., and the General Land OflSce in 
the SE. Executive Buildings. 



THE CAPITOL. 

The Capitol of the United States {open every day^ except 
Sunday) stands on the W. brow of the plateau which forms 
the E. portion of the city. It may be reached from the more 
populous sections by street cars. Pennsylvania av., from 



APPROACHES. 57 

Georgetown, leads to one of the gates at the foot of the hill, 
below the W. entrance. From the Pi-esident's House, by 
Pennsylvania av., the distance to the Capitol is 1^ m., and 
the same from the most remote of the principal hotels. The 
?rtreet cars pass in front of or close by all the hotels. 

Street Oars. — The Pennsylvania-av. (marked "Capitol") 
Street Cars^ from the W., pass around the Capitol on the S., 
and by a branch track from S. B st., carry visitors to the 
SE. angle of the S. Extension, occupied by the House of 
Representatives. Strangers should be careful to take a car 
for the Capitol. Those marked ''ISTavj" Yard" run within a 
short distance of the same point. Those of the same line for 
the Baltimore and Ohio RR. Depot would leave them on the 
jST. line of the grounds, and some distance from the building. 
The MetrojxjUtan, or F-st Cars^ by a branch track, land pas- 
sengers on the plateau at the NE. angle of tlic JST. or Senate 
Extension. Strangers should be careful to take a car for the 
Capitol. The same line of cars to the E. parts of tlie city on 
E. Capitol St. also pass near the same point. 

Site. — The Capitol occupies very nearly the centre of the plot 
of the city, there being 25 sts. E., 27 sts.'W., 22 sts. IST., and 21 
sts. S. On a straight line, however, drawn from ]N"W. to SE., 
it stands about ^ m. towards the latter point. The great white 
Dome which sm-mounts the mighty pile, rising high in the 
air, is visible for miles around — indeed from every elevated 
point in the District. From it, as far as the eye can reach, 
may be seen rolling hills, broad valleys, and rivers. The E. 
fa9ade of the building looks out upon the expansive plain of 
Capitol Hill, with a background of beautiful elevations, 
those on the riglit being beyond the Anacostia; the N". 
across a broad intwvening valley to the wooded encircling 
hills oi the city; the S. down upon the low grounds and 
sparsely settled portions of the city, with the broad Potomac 
and Anacostia mingling their waters in the distance ; the W. 
overlooks the business and official quarters, the lawns and 
groves of the Botanical Garden, the Mall, and the President's 
Grounds, and the wooded summit of University Square, with 
the shining domes of the Observatory and Georgetown Heights 
beyond. 

Approaches. — Broad avs. and sts., 11 in number, from 130 
to 160 ft. wide, radiate from the Capitol and constitute its ai> 
proaches as follows: E. front — to the NE. Maryland av., to 
the SE. Pennsylvania av., and to the E. E. Capitol st. ; W. 
front — to the NW. Pennsylvania av., to the SW. Maryland 
av., and to the W. lie the Botanical Garden and Mall ; JST. 



00 THE GROUNDS. 

front — NE. Delaware av., KW. New Jersey av., to the N". 
N. Capitol St.; S. front — ^to the SE. New Jersey av., to the 
SW. Delaware av., and to the S. S. Capitol st. 

The G-rounds. — The grounds surrounding the Capitol, en- 
larged in 1872-'3, by the purchase of squares 687 and 688, for 
$684,199.15, respectively in the N. E. and S. E. angles form 
a parallelogram 1,800 ft. E. and W. and 1,250 ft. N. and S., 
containing 51 J a. The Capitol occupies the centre, and with 
its massive porticos, broad steps and blockings, towering 
dome and columns, pilasters, entablatures, with architrave, 
frieze, and cornice, pediment and balustrade, is one of the 
most imposing structures in the world. 

In 1874, Congress, for the fii-st time, took steps towards a 
creditable improvement of these grounds. A topographical 
survey was made, and Fred. Law Olmstead of New York, 
landscape architect, authorized to furnish plans. On June 
23, 1874, $200,000 were appropriated to be expended under 
the direction of the architect of the Capitol. Mr. Olmstead, 
charged with the execution of the plans, was aided by John 
A. Partridge, engineer in charge, and Geo. Kent Radford, 
consulting engineer. 

The general features of the improvements are the continua- 
' tion of East Capitol st., to connet with a broad paved carriage 
courts (Neuchatel pavement,) 300 ft. wide in front of the cen- 
tral portico. On either side is an undulating space of oval 
shape. On that portion facing the building is a seat with 
blue stone plinth, and base, Seneca back and blue stone coping 
and cap. The seat is divided into 8 spaces by piers of blue 
stone and Seneca, 3 ft. 4 in. high, surmounted by bronze 
lamps 12 ft. high. Iii front is laid a patent 'HLossAa pavement 
in colors. 

In front of the central portico stands 6 lamp piers 13 ft. 
3 in. high, blue stone base, with red sand stone band, and 
above, blue stone and polished Passamaquoddy (red) granite, 
in alternate courses, surmounted by bronze lamp posts^ 12 ft. 
high, designed by Thomas Wisedell, of N. Y., cast by Janes, 
of K. Y., 1874. In the rear, on either side of the main 
avenue, is a fiower casket^ base 40 by 30 ft., of blue stone 
and granite, and surmounted by a bronze vase, from which 
rises a spray fountain. Around each casket is a pavement 
; similar to that in front of the seat. 

The plans yet to be acted upon for the West Park contem- 
plate a terrace 50 ft. wide, with supporting walls 10 ft. high. 
Opposite the central western portico an imposing double 
■flight of steps will descend to a terraced walk, 40 ft. wide 




W'W^'mmm 



60 THE GROUNDS. 

and 1,000 ft. long, terminating in beautiful pavilions. Op- 
posite the main steps is another descent to the three main 
diverging foot-ways. . 

From the various converging avenues drives mid foot ap- 
proaches lead into the grounds through appropriate entrances^ 
to the carriage court and porte cocheres. At the Pennsylva- 
nia and Maryland avenue foot approaches, on the west, will 
be large fountains. In the northeastern space is the Sumner 
beech, so called in consideration of the Senator's admiration. 

In front of the central western projection of the portico is 
an oval basin, (78,827 galls.,) which receives the water from a 
white and blue marble fountain near by, erected in 1834, and 
fed from a covered reservoir under the carriage court at the 
head of the main avenue. East Park, supplied from Smith's 
Spring, 1| m. N. of the Capitol, just NE. of Howard Uni- 
versity, and purchased in 1832. In this basin, in 1814, stood 
the ISTaval Monument to the memory of the officers who fell 
in the Tripolitan war, 1804, now stands in the U. S. Naval 
Academy grounds at Annapolis, Md. 

In the E . Park is the colossal statue of George Washington, 
*' the father of his country," by Horatio Greenonuh, of Mass., 
ordered by Congress, 1832, for the Rotunda of the Capitol, 
made in Florence, Ital5% was 8 years in completion, weighs 
12 tons, if erect would be 12 ft*, high, and cost, including 
sculptor's work, freight, removals, and attendant expenses, 
$44,000; of this $5,000 were for transportation from the 
Washington navy j^ard to the Eotunda, about 1 m. The large 
size of the statue has occasioned considerable embarrassment. 
It was designed b}^ Congress that it should be suitable to the 
interior of tlie Capitol. It was found entirely out of propor- 
tion there. Its final resting place is yet a matter of doubt. 

In the figure^ the right hand points to heaven, and the left, advanced, holds a 
Roman short sword, the handle presented. Over the right arm and lower parts of 
the body falls a mantk. The seat is ornamented with acanthus leaves and garlands 
of flotvers. The carvings in the back admits of a view of the back of the statue. A 
small figure of Columbus rests against the left arm of the seat, and of an I«dian 
against the right. In basso relievo on the right of the seat is represented Phaeton in 
his car, drawn by fieet steeds, allegorically, the rising sun, and the crest of the arms 
of the United States. On the left are represented N. and S. America, as the infant 
Hercules strangling the serpent, and Iphiclus on the ground shrinking from the con- 
test. The back of the seat bears the inscription, '■'■Simulacrum istud ad magnum 
Liberiatis exemplum nee sine ipsa duraturum. HORATIUS Greenough, Faciabat. 
(This statue is for a great example of Liberty, nor without Liberty will the exam- 
ple endure. Horatio Greenough, Sculptor.) The pedestal is 12 ft. high, and of 
solid blocks of New England granite. The inscriptions are: S. face, "First in 
Peace;" N., " First in War; " W., " First in the hearts of his Countrymen." A 
better effect for the statute, and particularly softening its necessarily coarse lines^ 
would be secured by elevating the pedestal to a height of at least 25 ft. 

In 1840 a United States frigate was despatched by Congress to bring the statue to 
the United States. The hatches, however, were not sufficiently large to admit it 
into the hold. A merchant ship, the Sea, was chartered and altered to accommo- 
date the unwieldly mass. In 1841 it arrived and was placed in the rotunda of the 



THE GROUNDS. 



61 



Capitol. The 
main door was 
cut away to ad- 
mit it, and a pier 
of masonry e- 
rected beneath 
the pavement to 
support it. Here 
it was out of pro- 
portion, and in 
1842 it was re- 
moved to the E. 
Park, where it 
stood for many 
years beneath 
an uncouth shel- 
ter of pine 
boards. The sta- 
tue, while ad- 
mired as a work 
of art, has been 
much criticised 
as a misconcep- 
tion of the char- 
acter in which 
the subject is 
held in the hearts 
of his country- 
men. A foreign 
writer has desig- 
nated it " a sort 
of domestic Ju- 
piter." 

The Capitol 
o.nginally stood 
on the declivity 
of the hill, and 
on the W. pre- 
sented a story 
below the base 
line on the E. 
To correct this 
defect and great- 
ly enhance the 
imposing ap- 
pearance of the 
structure, the 
semicircular 
range of case 




GREHNOUGH's statue of WASHINGTON. 



range or case- - ^ . u ,• 

mates, utilized for fuel and storage, was constructed, the outer face forming a beauti- 
ful green glacis. The terre-plein is paved with Maryland Seneca stone, with an outer 
cap of New England granite. In 1828 the terrace was connected with the building by 
the broad platform opposite the western projection,and the west door was cut through. 
In 187J the iron railing which enclosed the grounds was removed to give place to an 
enlarged line of enclosure then purchased. 

The configuration of the immediate eminence upon which 
the Capitol 'stands has been materially chano-ed and beauti- 
fied by the hand of art. The original slopes have been mod- 
ified by terraces and slopes falling to the level of the divergent 
avenues. There is also an enlarged line of enclosure, em- 



62 GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

bracino- the acquisitions of additioiiiil o-i-ouiicl. Ootsicle of 
this runs a paved footwalk, with heavy granite curbing, with 
handsome lamp-posts, on the line of the thoroughfare. The 
boundary streets are also paved and lighted. 

G-eneral Description.— The Capitol of the United States, 
as now completed, is unquestionably the finest and largest 
buildhig of the kind on tlie face of the earth, and does credit 
to the skill of the architects and the taste of the nation. 
. In durability, of structure and costliness of material it is also 
superior to any other. The great edifices of the Old World 
are accumulations of a number of centuries. The. Capitol 
of the United States is the stupendous work of less than 
a single century. The elevated seat, formed by nature and 
art, upon which the Capitol stands, is S9^ ft. above ordinary 
low tide in the Potomac, 1 mile distant, and is admirably 
adapted to the display of its vast proportions and architecture. 
The entire length of the building is 751 ft., and the greatest' 
depths the breadth of the wings, 324 ft., including the porticos 
and steps. The ground-plan covers about 3^ acres. The struc- 
ture in detail consists of a main building and two extensions^ 
with connecting corridors. The main or central building is 
352 ft. in length, and, exclusive of the W. projection, 121^ 
ft. deep, with an E. central colonnaded portico 160 ft. wide^ 
consisting of rows of monolithic Corinthian columns, 24 in 
number and 30 ft. high, exclusive of pedestals. The portico 
is elevated on a rustic basement, surmounted by an enriched 
entablature and pediment, the latter 80 ft. broad. Over this 
rises an attic story, surmounted by the Dome, 135 ft. in diam- 
eter. In the rear and on either side Of this main portico the 
edifice rests on a basement to correspond with that of the 
portico. Above this rises the order, two stories in height, 
with pilasters, an entablature, frieze, and surmounting bal- 
ustrade, carried out in the same architectural design. It is 
proposed, at some future day, to take down this portico, and 
extend the front of the central building E., to bring it at 
least on a line with the E. front of the two extensions, so as 
to perfect the architectural group. Between the original 
building and each of the extensions, which lie at the 2^. and 
S. ends of the building, is a connecting corridor of 44 ft. in 
length and 56 ft. depth, with four fluted columns on either, 
front. Each extension has a front of 143 ft. facing the E. 
and W., and depth of 239 ft. along the N. and S. facades. 
The latter is exclusive of the porticos and steps on the E., 
which correspond with the main building. 

The fapades of each extension are embellished with porti- 
cos on three sides, those on the E. consisting of 22 fluted 



THE DOME. 63 

monolithic columns, in two rows, N. and S., and 10 on the 
AV. ends, the columns facing tlie N. and S. respectivel}^ con- 
stituting the IST. and S. fronts of the building. The porticos 
of the N. and S. fajades are 124 ft. front. 

The W. front of the main building presents a central pro- 
jection of 83 ft. by 160 ft. front, with a recessed colonnade 
100 ft. in extent, consisting of 10 coupled columns, elevated 
on a rustic basement, as the E. fi'ont, and rising, with its en- 
tablature and balustrade, to the roof, surmounted by a pan- 
eled screen or attic. The rest of the W. front is the same 
as the E. There are no steps on the W. front of the main 
building, it being entered from the upper terrace. The exten- 
sions stand on a foundation of granite, raised about 4 ft. on 
all sides ; the basement or ground floor is reached by granite 
steps. On the E. fapade are three broad flights of steps, 
which lead to the commencement of the order. Beneath the 
basement is a sub-basement, visible only and accessible on 
the outside from the casemated terrace on the W. 

The material employed in the central building first erected 
is freestone, from the Government quarries at Aquia Creek, 
about 40 m. below the city, purchased by the Commissioners 
in 1791. This is painted, in order to conform in general ap- 
pearance with the wings, which are built of white marble, 
from Lee, Massachusetts. The marble columns of the exten- 
sions are from the quarries at Cockeysville, Maryland, about 
20 m. N". of Baltimore. 

The appropriations made by Congress from 1800 to date 
for the erection, repair, and preservation of the Capitol 
amount to $13,000,000. 

The Dome. — Out of the centre of the main building rises 
the f/reat Dome of the Capitol, designed by Walter, and which 
replaced a smaller one removed in 1856. It is of the follow- 
ing dimensions : 

Exterior Height — above the base line of the E. facade of the 
Capitol to the top of the lantern, 288 ft.; above the W. gate 
of the park, 360 ft.; above the balustrade of the building, 218 
ft.; statue of Freedom on the apex, 19^ ft. Total height from 
base line to crest of statue of Freedom, 307 J ft. Total height 
above low tide in the Potomac, 397 ft. Diameter, 135J ft. , 

The Dome rests on an octagonal base or stylohate, 93 ft. 
above the basement floor, and as it leaves the top line of the 
building consists of a peristyle, 124 ft. in diameter, of 36 iron 
fluted columns, 27 ft. high, and weighing 6 tons each. Above 
this is a balustrade. From the entablature of the peristyle 
to the attic is 44 ft. . Above the balustrade begins the domi- 
cal covering. The apex is siirmomited by a lantern^ 15 ft. in 



64 



THE DOME 



diameter and 50 ft. high, surrounded by a peristjde, and 
crowned by the bronze Statue of Freedom. Just below the 
lantern is a balustrade around the crowning platform. The 
outer domical sliell is pierced with glazed openings for the 
admission of light. , In the lantern is a reflecting lamj^^ lighted 
by electricity, and used only when either or both Houses of 
Congress are sitting at night. This light is visible from all 
parts of the city. 
The Statue of Freedom^ by Crawford, 1865, which sur- 
mounts the lantern of the Dome, rep- 
resents the figure of a female, the r. 
hand resting on the hilt of a sheathed 
sword; the 1. on a shield, and holding 
a wreath. The crest of the helmet con- 
sists of an eagle's beak, embellished 
with plumes of feathers. This head- 
gear was not the conception of the 
artist, but an after-suggestion. Tlie 
original model represented a simple 
head-band, encircled Avith stars. The 
drapery of the figure is both chaste and 
striking. Over an inner garb is a fur- 
red robe, tastefully adjusted over the 
1. shoulder and falling over the 1. arm ; 
at the waist it is gathered in loose folds, 
and held by a brooch, bearing the let- 
ters U. S. The attitude of the statue 
exhibits in a striking degree the beauty 
of feminine grace with' decision. The 
statue is 19J ft. high, and the weight of 
bronze 14,985 lbs., or 6 tons (2,240 lbs.) 
and 1,545 lbs. It was cast at Clark 
Mills' foundry at Bladensbm-g, 5 m. 
NE. of Washington, and cost $23,796. The statue stands on 
a bronze capping for the Dome, representing a globe, with 
an encircling zone, upon which are the words "^ Plvribus 
Uniim.'''' The weight of iron used in the Dome is 8,009,200 
lbs., or 3,575 tons (2,240) 1,200 lbs. The Dome stands upon 
a substruction of masonry, wliich forms the foundation of the 
outside walls, and also upon 40 interior columns, which sup- 
port heavy arches, upon which rests the pavement of the 
Hotunda. The casting and erecting of the iron work of the 
immense structure was done by Janes, Beebe & Co., New 
Tork. There are two smaller domes and a number of lan- 
terns and skylights. The roofoi the entire building is cov- 
ered with copper. 




STATUE OF FEEEDOM. 



PORTICOS. 65 

The following are the dimensions of the three greatest 
domes of Europe : 

St. Peter's, Rome, from the pavement to the base of the 
lantern, 405 ft. ; to the top of the cross outside, 458 ft.; ex- 
terior diameter of the cupola, 195^ ft. ; interior, 139 ft. St. 
Paul's, London, Engiancl, to the top of the cross, 404 ft.; 
diameter, 112 ft. Hotel des Invalides, Paris, France, over 
the Tomb of ISTapoleon, 323 ft. 

It will be seen that the Dome of the Capitol of the United 
United States ranks fifth in height and fourth in diameter. 
The dome of the Cathedral of St. Isaac, at St. Petersburg, the 
National Church of Russia, is 363 ft. in height, and is also a 
magnificent structure, built of iron and bronze. 

Porticos. — The E. fagade of the Capitol is broken by three 
grand porticos, reached by broad flights of steps, and from 
which open the three principal doorways. Beneath each of 
these porticos are massive vaulted carriageways to the base- 
ment entrances, the centre one of which opens into the Crypt. 
The Qiiain Portico^ 160 ft. in length, consists of 24 monolithic 
columns, 30 ft. high. On the tympanum of the pediment is 
an allegorical group in alto relievo^ by Persico, an Italian, 
representing the Genius of America. The principal figure, 
representing America, is of semi-colossal size, and standing 
on a broad unadorned plinth, holding in her hand a poised 
shield, with U. S. A. emblazoned in the centre of a ray of 
glory. The shield, which is oval, represents an ornamented 
altar, in the centre of which is a wreath of oak leaves, in basso 
relievo, encircling July 4, 1776. In the rear of the figure rests 
a broad spear, and at her feet an eagle, with partly-spread 
wings. The head of the figm-e is crowned witli a star, and 
inclines towards the figure of " Hope, " who is addressing her. 
The right arm of "Hope " is raised, and the left rests on the 
stock of an anchor, the hand grasping part of the drapery. 
The Genius of America, in reply to Hope, who is recounting 
the glory of the nation, points to the figure on the other side, 
wliich represents Justice, with eyes uplifted, and holding in 
the right hand a partly-unrolled scroll, on whicli is inscribed 
" Coiistitution of the United States," and in the left the scales. 
Justice has neither bandage nor sword, representing that 
American j ustice 3 udges intelligently. The .emblematic char- 
acter of the group suggests that, however Hope may flatter, 
all j)rosperity should be founded in public right and the pres- 
ervation of the Constitution. The execution of the work is 
excellent, but cannot be entirely appreciated from its raised 
position. All the figures are cut in sandstone, and 7^ ft. in 
lieiglit. The sculptor at first contemplated giving more 
5 



66 PORTICOS. 

nudity to the group, but being persuaded that it was con- 
trary to the sentiment of the people of the United States, went 
to the other extreme. The ascent to this portico is by an im- 
posing fliglit of freestone steps, flanked on either side by mas- 
sive buttresses. On the S. buttress stands a semi-colossal 
group of statuary by Persico, an Italian, 1846, representing 
the Discovery of America^ in a figure of Columbus, holding 
aloft a small globe, on the top of which is inscribed America 
At his side crouches an astonished and awe-stricken Indian 
maiden. The group consumed 5 years in execution, and 
cost $24,000. It is said that the armor is true to a rivet, hav- 
ing been copied from a suit in the palace of the descendants 
of the discoverer at Genoa. The corresponding group on 
the IST. buttress, by Greenough, 1842, represents the First Set- 
tlement of America^ consisting of five figures : a hunter rescu- 
ing a woman and child from the murdei"ous Indian, while by 
the side is a faithful dog. The work consumed about 12 
years in execution, and cost $24,000. It is of Servazza mar- 
ble. Persico was first designated to make this group. In the 
niches on the r. and 1. of the great Bronze Door, opening into 
the Rotunda, are the colossal statues of Peace and TFar, both 
by Persico, 1832. Peace is represented by the Goddess Ceres, 
a gentle maiden, with loose flowing robes and sandals. In 
her r. hand she bears fruit, and her 1. an olive branch. War 
is represented by IVIars, a stern warrior, attu-ed in Roman 
toga, belt, and tunic, with helmet and sandals. The tunic 
bears the symbols of his victims. The statues are of the 
finest quality of Cararra marble, each 9 ft. in height, were 
5 years in execution, and cost $12,000 apiece. Both are fine 
specimens of art. Over the Bronze Door is a basso relievo by 
Capellano, 1827, representing Fame and Peace in the act of 
placing a laurel wreath upon the brow of Washington. In 
panels on either side are bundles of radiating arrows, with 
surroundings of leaves. 

The E. Portico of the North or Senate Extension is reached 
by a broad fiight of 46 marble steps, broken by 4 landings, 
and flanked by massive cheek-blocks, carrying out the design 
of the central Portico. Tliis portico measures 143 ft., and is 
adorned by a double row of monolithic Corinthian columns, 
22 in all, 30 ft. high, exclusive of base, and is surmounted 
by a pediment of 72 ft. span. The group of figures on the 
Tympanum, by Thomas Crawford, symbolizes the Progress 
of Civilization in the United States. The centre figure repre- 
.sents America, with the rising sun in the background. On 
her r. are figures of War and Commerce, Youth and Educa- 
tion, Mechanics and Agriculture. On her 1. the Pioneer, the 
Hunter, and the Aboriginal Race. The latter is represented 



I 



MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 



67 




by an Iiicllan and squaw, with an infant in her arras, seated 
by a filled grave, typical of the decadence of the red race. 
This group, ordered in 1862, was cut by Italians, out of Amer- 
ican marble from Massachusetts, and cost $45,950. 

The E. Portico of the Soidh or ''''Rouse " Extension^ in archi- 
tectural design, dimensions, and material, is the same as 
that of the N. Extension. The portico is without statuary 
or sculptured embellishment ; yet, with its beautiful marble 
columns supporting the entablature and surmounting pedi- 
ment, it is grand in its nude proportions. 

The W. fafade, the centi-al projection and extensions, and 
the N. and S. faces of the building, are decorated with col- 
onnades, of beautiful proportions, and surmounted by balus- 
trades, all in harmony with the porticos on the E. 

Main Bronze Door, — The great Bronze Door, designed and 

modeled in Eome, in 1858, by 
Randolph Rogers, and cast in 
bronze in Municli in 1860 by F. 
V. IVl^ller, fills the main door- 
way, from the grand Portico 
into the Rotunda. The leaves 
or valves of the door, which is 
double, stand in a superblj'" en- 
riched casing, also of bronze, 
and, opened,"fold back into suit- 
ably fitted Jambs. The entire 
height is 19 ft ; width, 9 ft.; 
weighs 20,000 lbs, and cost $28,- 
000. Each leaf is divided into 
8 panels, in addition to the 
transom-panel under the arch. 
Each of these contains a com- 
plete scene, in alto relievo. The 
back of the door is finished witli 
a simple star in the centre of 
each panel, corresponding with 
the front. A plain molding re- 
lieves the blank space of each. 

The great Bronze Door is a credit to the 
magnificence and magnitude of the Capi- 
tol. In 1S62, contrary to the views of Mr. 
Walter, Architect of the Capitol, it was 
placed in the S. doorway of the old Hall of 
Representatives, now the Hall of Statuary. 
MAIN" BRONZE DOOE. In 1871 it was removed, and has since 

(See pages 63, 69.) properly constituted the main door to the 

Capitol. In the event of the projection of this portico to the east line of the Exten- 
sions, the Bronze Door, it is suggested by the architect, should form the inner or 
vestibule door, where the architecture should be in harmony with its design. 



A 

C 


15 
13 

11 
9 












16 

14 

12 
10 


B 
D 


IV 


2 


1 


VI 












III 


4 


3 


VII 












II 


6 


5 


VIII 












I 


8 


7 


IX 





















68 MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 

The events portrayed on the door constitute the principal 
events in the Life of Columbus and the Discovery of 
America, with an ornate enrichment of emblematic de- 
signs. On the key of the arch of the casing is a Head of 
Columbus f a very excellent piece of facial execution. On 
the sides of the casing are four admirable typical statuettes^ 
placed in niches at the top and bottom of the door, and 
arranged chronologicall}^: A, Asia; B, Africa; C, Europe; 
D, America. The rest of the casing is embellished with a 
running border of ancient armor, banners, and heraldic de- 
signs; and at the bottom, on either side, an anchor — all in 
basso relievo., and emblematic of Navigation and Conquest. 
On the frame of each leaf of the door, set in niches, are six- 
teen statuettes of the patrons and contemporaries of Colum- 
bus. Thej'' are given as nearly as possible in the order of the 
importance of their association witli the promulgation and 
execution of his theory, or in the extension of the range of 
geographical exploration inaugurated by him. The first 8 
figures are associated in pairs when the doors are closed; 
when opened, they are divided, but should be examined iii 
the order of the references. 

1. Alexander VI, Roderigo Lenzoli Borgia, a native of Spain, Pope of Rome 

1492-150 J. 

2. Pedro Gonzales dc Mendoza, Archbishop of Tokdo, and Grand Cardinal of 
Spain, a man of great influence at court, and early patron of Columbus. 

J. Ferdinand, King of Spain, royal patron of the undertaking of Columbus. 

4. Isabella, Queen of Spain, and royal patroness of Columbus. 

5. Charles VIII, King of France, an enlightened monarch and friend to the cause 
of discovery. 

6. Lady Beatriz de Bobadilla, Marchioness of Moya, and friend of Columbus. It 
is said that the likeness is of Mrs. Rogers, wife to the sculptor. 

7. John II, King of Portugal, the monarch v/ho rejected the proposals of Colum- 
bus. 

8. Henry VII, King of England, appealed to by Bartholomew Columbus on behalf 
of his brother; meantime the discovery was accomplished under the auspices of 
Spain. 

9. Juan Perez de Marchena, prior of the Convent of La Rabida, and friend to 
Columbus. 

10. Martin Alonzo Pinzon, commander of the Pinta, the second vessel in the first 
fleet across the ocean. 

11. Hernando Cortez, early companion of Columbus, and conqueror of Mexico. 

12. Bartholomew Columbus, brother to Christopher, advocate of his theory at the 
court of Henry VII, and first Adelentatio of Hispaniola. It is said that the likenesf 
is of the sculptor. 

I J. Alonzo de Ojeda, a companion of Columbus in his first voyage of discovery, 
and one of the most daring of his contemporaries. 

14. Vasco Nunez de Balboa, discoverer of the Pacific Ocean from the Isthmus of 
Darien. 

15. Amerigo Vespucci, oneof the earlier discoverers of the main land of America, 
author of the first account of the New World, and from whom the continent takes its 
name. 

16. Francisco Pizarro, conqueror of Peru. 



\ 



MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 69 

'I'he panels illustrate in alto relievo the leading events in the 
career of Columbus, beginning- at the lower panel of the r. or 
S. leaf of the door. 

I. Columbus examined before the Council of Salamanca respecting his theory 
of the globe, which was rejected. 

II. Departure of Columbus for the Spanish court from the Convent of La Rabida, 
near Palos. 

III. Audience at the court of Ferdinand and Isabella. 

IV. Departure of Columbus from Palos on his first voyage of discovery. 

V. Transom panel, Columbus landed on the Island of San Salvador, and taking 
possession in the name of his sovereign. 
VI. Encounter with the natives. 

VII. Triumphal entree of Columbus into Barcelona. 
VIII. Columbus in chains. 

IX. The death-bed of Columbus. He died at Valladoiid,May 20, 1506, aged 70 
years. His last words were: " In manus tuas^ Domine^ commendo spiriium meurn.'^ 
*'Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." Thirty years after his remains 
were transferred to the Cathedral of San Domingo, on the island of that name. In 
1796, when the Spaniards lost their hold on the island, they were removed to Havana. 

Between the panels are a series of heads, representing the 
historians of the voyages of Columbus and his followers. That 
above the lower or N. panel of the door is Washington Irving^ 
and in the corresponding position opposite W. H. Prescott. 

The three most celebrated bronze doors of Europe are in Florence, in the Church 
of the Baptistry of St. John. The centre one, by Lorenzo Ghiberti, i42o-'5o, con- 
sumed 30 years in execution, and illustrates scenes in the Old Tostament. Michael 
Angelo declared this gate worthy to be the portal of Paradise. The others are by 
Andrea Pisano, 1330, and Ghiberti, i40o-'20. The latter illustrates scenes in the 
New Testament. 

Eotunda. — From the central Portico, passing through the 
great Bronze Door, the visitor stands under the lofty canopy 
of the Eotunda. The height from pavement to canopy is 
180 ft., and diameter 96 ft. The circuit of the sides is di- 
vided into eight panels, separated by massive Koman pilas- 
ters, supporting an entablature ornamented with wreatlis of 
olive. Festoons of elaborately traced flowers, scrolls, and 
wreaths embellish the upper portions of these panels. The 
wreaths over the panels encircle busts of Columbus^ 1. of W. 
door; Cabot^ 1. of E. door; Raleigh, r. of W. door; and La 
Salle, r. of E. door, four names most conspicuously identified 
witli the history of the early discover}^ and exploration of the 
N". American continent, executed by Capellano and Caucici, 
Italians, both pui)ils of Canova, ordered in 1827, and cost, with 
the frieze and WTcath-work, $9,500. Over the four entrance? 
are historical subjects in alto relievo, ordered in 1826, cost 
each $3,500. 

E. Door. — Landing of the Pilgrims, 1620 : Caucici, a pupil 
of Canova. W. Door. — Pocahontas Saving the Life of Cap- 
tain Smith : Capellano, 1821, a pupil of Canova. rl. Door.— 



70 ROTUNDA. 

William Penn Holding a Conference with the Indians., 1682 : 
Gavelet, 1827. S. Door. — Daniel Boone in Conflict with the 
Indians., 1773 : Caucici. All these are wretched caricatures. 

It is designed to ornament the frieze, 300 ft. in length, with 
sculpture, representing the history of the United States, and 
make other improvements in this part of the Capitol. In the 
panels between the doors of the Rotunda are historical paint- 
ings., four illustrating the discovery and settlement of ISTorth 
America, and four the leading events in the struggle for in- 
dependence. 

The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. — 
Trumbull. Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting in the 
panel on the r. of the S. door represents the memorable 
Congress of 1776 at the moment of signing that instrument 
of American liberty. In the disposition of the characters the 
artist consulted Jefferson and Adams, both of whom were 
present. The style of dress, the furniture, and the liall itself, 
are exact reproductions of the time and place. The promi- 
nent group of figures on the r. in the painting are Jefferson 
. of Va., the author of the instrument before iiamed, Adams 
of Mass., Franklin of Penn., Hancock of Mass., Rutledge of 
S. C, and Thompson of Penn. For variety of composition, 
the Committee of Five are represented as having advanced in 
a body to the President's table, instead of reporting in the 
usual form, through their chairman. The rigid dignity of the 
scene and the expression of determination on every counte- 
nance will be observed. 

The names of the individuals represented, commencing on 
the observer's left (the right of the picture) and following the 
line towards the r. are — 

I, George Wythe, of Va.; 2, William Whipple, and 3, Josiah Bartlett, of N. H.} 
4, Benjamin Harrison, of Va.; 5, Thomas Lynch, of S. C; 6, Richard Henry Lee, 
of Va.; 7, Samuel Adams, of Mass.; 8, George Clinton, of N, Y.; 9, William Paca, 
and 10, Samuel Chase, of Md.; 11, Lewis Morris, and 12, William Floyd, of N. Y.; 
13, Arthur Middleton, and 14, Thomas Heyward, of S. C; 15, Charles Carroll, of 
Md.; 16, George Walton, of Ga.; 17, Robert Morris, 18, Thomas Willing, and 19, 
Benjamin Rush, of Penn.; 20, Elbridge Gerry, and 21, Robert Treat Paine, of Mass.; 
22, Abraham Clark, of N. J.; 2J, Stephen Hopkins, and 24, William Ellery, of R. L; 
25, George Clymer, of Penn.; 26, William Hooper, and 27, Joseph Hewes, of N. C; 
28, James Wilson, of Penn.; 29, Francis Hopkinson, of N. J.; 30, John Adams, of 
Mass.; ji, Roger Sherman, of Conn., 32, Robert L.Livingston, of N. Y.; 33, Thomas 
Jefferson, of Va.; 34, Benjamin Franklin, of Penn.; 35, Richard Stockton, N. J.; 36, 
Francis Lewis, N. Y.; 37, John Witherspoon, of N. J.; 38, Samuel Huntington, 39, 
William Williams, and 40, Oliver Wolcott, of Conn.; 41, John Hancock, of Mass.; 
42, Charles Thompson, of Penn.; 43, George Read, Del.; 44, John Dickinson, of 
Penn.; 45, Edward Rutledge, of S. C; 46, Thomas McKean, of Del.; and 47, 
Philip Livingston, of N. Y. 

The Surrender ofBurgoyne, October, 1777.— Trum- 
bull. Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting in the pan- 
el on the 1. of the W. door represents the surrender of the 



aOTUNDA. 



71 




SECTIONAL VIEW OF THE DOME. 
(From " Washington Inside and Outside.") 



72 ROTUNDA. 

British Gen. Burgoyne to tlie American Gen. Gates at Sara- 
toga. The scene portrayed represents Burgoyne, attended 
bj^ Gen. Phillips and other officers, dismounted, and near the 
marquee of the American commander, offering his sword to 
Gen. Gates, who advances, but declines to receive the token 
of submission, and invites the fallen general into his quar- 
ters. On the r. of Gates is a group of the principal officers 
of the American army of the N". In the background will be 
observed the British army at the confluence of Fish Creek and 
X. River. Tlie troops, in long lines, under the direction of 
Col. Lewis, Quartermaster General of the American army, 
and headed by American, British, and German officers, are 
moving across the creek and meadows towards the place of 
surrender in the foreground. 

The portraits introduced, beginning on the observer's left, 
are — 

I, Maj. Lithgow, of Mass.; 2, Col. Cilly, and j. Gen. Starke, of N. H.; 4. Capt. 
Seymour, of Conn., of Sheldon's Horse; 5, Maj. Hull, and 6, Col. Greaton, of Mass.; 
7, Maj. Dearborn, and 8, Col. Scammell, of N.H.; 9, Col. Lewis, of N. Y., Quarter- 
master General; 10, Maj. Gen. Phillips, of the British army; 11., Lieut. Gen. Bur- 
goyne, Commander of the British forces; 12, Gen. Baron Reidesel, of the British 
army, (German); 13, Col. Wilkinson, Deputy Adjutant General of the American 
army; 14, Gen. Gates, Commander of the American forces; 15, Col. Prescott, of 
Mass. Volunteers ; 16, Col. Morgan, of the Va. Riflemen ; 17, Brig. Gen. Rufus 
Putnam, and 18, Lieut. Col. Brooks, of Mass ; 19, Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, of R. L, 
Chaplain ; 20, Maj. Robert Troup, of N. Y., Aid-de-Camp ; 21, Maj. Haskell, of 
Mass.; 22, Maj. (after Gen.) Armstrong, Aid-de-Camp ; 2j, Maj. Gen. Philip Schuy- 
ler, of N. Y.; 24, Brig. Gen. Glover, of Mass.; 25, Brig. Gen. Whipple, of the N. 
H. Militia ; 26, Maj. Clarkson, of N. Y., Aid-de-Camp ; and 27, Maj. Stevens, of 
Mass., commanding artillery. 

The Surrender of Cornwallis, October, 1781.— 
Trnmbull. Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting on the 
r. of the W. door represents the closing scene in the contest 
between the Colonies and the mother country, the surrender 
of tlie army of Lord Cornwallis to the Americans at York- 
town, Virginia. 

The event is associated with an incident which should be 
borne in mind in order to comprehend what might seem out 
of keeping. About 18 months before the siu'render. Gen. 
Lincoln, in command of the American forces at Charleston, 
S. C, had been obliged to capitulate to the British. Lord 
Cornwallis at that time refused to allow the American com- 
mander to march out of the city with colors flying and other 
honors customary under the circumstances. The terms of 
surrender accorded to Lord Cornwallis in this instance were 
the same as he had granted to Gen. Lincoln. Gen. "Wash- 
ington, the Commander-in-Chief, and to whom the honor of 
receiving the surrender was due, appointed Gen. Lincoln to 
superintend the submission of the British, in the same man- 



ROTUNDA. 73 

ner as the American Gen. and his troops had been treated at 
Charleston. 

The American forces will be seen in order of battle on the 
r. of the road leading- into York ; Washington and the Ameri- 
can general officers resting on the r. of the line. The French 
troops face the Americans from the opposite side of the road, 
with Gen. Rochambeau and the chief officers of the French 
army and navy on their 1. The British troops, witli shoul- 
dered arms, colors cased, and drums beating, are filing out of 
the town, approaching the two lines of the victorious Ameri- 
cans and French to the place of surrender, from whence, hav- 
ing grounded and left their arms, they will march back un- 
armed to their quarters. 

The scene itself represents Lord Cornwallis and his chief 
officers, under the direction of Gen. Lincoln, passing the op- 
posite groups of American and French generals and entering 
between the two lines of the victors. By this disposition the 
chief actors in the scene are brought out boldly. In the dis- 
tance the town of York is visible, with the conquered troops 
marching out. York River and the Chesapeake Bay are also 
brought in, and aflbrd a general idea of the topographical sur- 
roundings. It may be added, with respect to the French offl- 
cei'S, that their portraits were obtained from Paris, in 1787, 
and were taken from life, at the residence of IMi-. Jeflerson, 
then Minister of the United States to France. 

The following are tlie portraits given, commencing on the 
observer's 1. : 

I, Count Deuxponts; 2, Duke de Laval Montmorency, and 3, Count Custine, 
Cols, of French Infantry; 4. Duke de Lauzun, Col. of French Cavalry; 5, Gen. 
Choizy ; 6, Viscount Viomeuil; 7, Marquis de St. Simon; 8, Count Fersen, and 
9, Count Dumas, Aids-de-Camp to Count Rochambeau; 10, Marquis Chastellux ; 
II, Baron Viomeuil; 12, Count de Barre and Count de Grasse, Admirals in the 
French Navy; 14, Count Rochambeau, Gen.-in-Chief of the French forces; 15, 
Gen. Lincoln, American Army ; 16, Col. Stevens, American Artillery; 17, Gen. 
Washington, Commander-in-Chief; 18, Thomas Nelson, Gov. of Va. ; 19, Mar- 
quis Lafayette; 20, Baron Steuben; 21, Col. Cobb, Aid-de-Camp to Gen. VVash- 
ing:ton ; 22, Col. Trumbull, Secretary to Gen. Washington ; 23. Maj. Gen. Clinton, 
of N. Y. ; 24, Gen. Gist, of Md. ; 25, Gen. Wayne, of Penn.; 26, Gen. Hand, of 
Penn., Adjutant General; 27, Gen. Peter Muhlenberg, of Penn.; 28, Maj. Gen. 
Knox, Commander of Artillery; 29, Lieut. Col. Huntingdon, acting Aid to Gen. 
Lincoln; 30, Col. Timothy Pickering, Quartermaster General; 31, Col. Alexander 
Hamilton, commanding Light Infantry; 32, Col. Laurens, of S. C. ; 33, Col. Wal- 
ter Stuart, of Penn., and 34, Col. Nicholas Fish, of N. Y. 

Resignation of GENERAii Washington, Dec. 23, 1783 : 
Trumbull.^ Ordered 1817, cost $8,000. The painting on the 
1. of the jS". door represents Washington returning his com- 
mission to tlie President of Congress. The great contest 
was over. Peace had been proclaimed. That great patriot 
had withdrawn from the army at jS'ew York, on which occa- 
sion many of those who were thus to be forever deprived of 



74 ROTUNDA. 

his leadership shed tears. It was Dec. 23, 1783, in the State 
House at Annapolis, Maryland. The patriot commander was 
suiTOunded by his officers, in the presence of the Congress 
of the infant Kepublic, and was now about to restore to Con- 
gress his commission, and witli it the authority with wliich 
they had invested him in the dark and trying times of tlie 
war. He had completed a touching address. After con- 
gTatulating Congress upon the successful issue of tlic con- 
flict, expressing his obligations to the armj^, and committing 
the future to the protection of Almiglitj^ God, he closed with 
the words : "Having now finished the work assigned me, I 
retire from the great theatre of action, and bidding an atlec- 
tionate farewell to this august body, under \\'liose orders I 
have so long acted, I here otter mj commission, and take my 
leave of all the emploj^ments of public life." It maybe men- 
tioned, as a coincidence, that tlie President of Congress was, 
in 1775, the first aid-de-camp to the illustrious general. 

The portraits introduced, commencing on the observer's 
left, are — 

I, Thomas Mifflin, of Penn., President of Congress; a, Charles Thompson, of 
Penn.; j, Elbridge Gerry, of Mass.; 4, Hugh Williamson, of N. C. ; 5, Samuel 
Osgood, of Mass, ; 6, Edward McComb, of Del. ; 7, George Partridge, of Mass. ; 
8, Edward Lloyd, of Md. ; 9, R. D. Spaight, of N. C.; 10, Benjamin Hawkins, of 
N. C. ; II, A. Foster, of N. H. ; IZ, Thomas Jefferson and Arthur Lee, of Va. j 
14, David Howell, of R. L; 15, James Monroe, of Va. ; and 16, Jacob Reed, ofS. 
C, all members of Congress; 17, James Madison, of Va., spectator; iS, William 
Ellery, of R. 1. ; 19, Jeremiah Townley Chase, of Md. ; zo, S. Hardy, of Va. ; and 
21, Charles Morris, of Penn., members of Congress; 22, General Washington, of 
Va. ; 23, Cols. Walker and Humphreys, aids-de-camp; 25 and 26, Gens Small- 
wood and Williams, and 27 and 28, Cols. Smith and Howard, of Md. ; 29, Charles 
Carroll and two daughters, of Md. ; jo, Mrs. Washington and her three grand- 
children; and 31, Daniel Jenifer of St. Thomas, of Md., spectators. 

In the corresponding panels on the opposite or E. side of 
the Rotunda, beginning on the 1. of the S. door leading to 
the House of Representatives, are four paintings of historical 
events connected with the discoverj'^ and early settlement of 
America. 

Baptism of Pocahontas, 1613: Cliapman. Ordered 
1836, cost 610,000. The scene is at Jamestown, in Virginia, 
the first permanent white settlement on the American con- 
tinent. Pocahontas, the daughtei- of the Indian king Pow- 
hatan, had already given evidence of her attachment for the 
whites, and had saved the settlement from extirpation at tlie 
hands of her ruthless people. The Indian princess is in the 
act of receiving the sacred rite of baptism. .John Rolfe, her 
future husband, stands by her side. The relatives of tlie prin- 
cess are present. Her uncle, with revengeful look, watches 
the scene. 

The portraits introduced, commencing on the observer's 1., 
are — 



ROTUNDA. 7& 

1, Standard Bearer; 2, the Page; j, John and Ann Laydon, first married in the 
country; 4, Sir Thomas Dale; 5, Alexander Whitaker; 6, Hans Spilman; 7, Po- 
cahontas; 8, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest, first settlers ; 9, John Rolfe; lo, Sister to Poca- 
hontas; II, Nantequas, brother to Pocahontas; 12, Opechaucanough ; 13, Opachisco^ 
uncle to Pocahontas; 14, Richard Whifiin. 

Discovery of the ^Mississippi River by De Soto, 
May, 1541 : Powell. Ordered 1850, cost $12,000. The paint- 
ing is intended to represent De Soto and his party arriv- 
ing on the banks of the Mississippi, after a toUsome march 
throngli swamp and forest from distant Florida. The paint- 
ing, however, does not verify history. The discoverers had 
endured great privations, and, ragged and worn, took to the 
river in canoes, in hopes of escape from their sufierings. De 
Soto succumbed to the fatigues of the march, and was buried 
in the river. On the r. will be seen the Mississippi, filled with 
green islands, and canoes laden with savages approaching or 
landing on the banks near at hand. 

The i)ortraits and prominent characters and objects repre- 
sented, commencing on the observer's 1., are — 

I, Soldier dressing his wounded leg; 2, a young Spanish cavalier; 3, a confessor j, 
4, a group of standard bearers and helmeted men ; 5, a cannon being placed in po- 
sition by artille.'ymen ; 6, a Moorish servant; 7, De Soto mounted; 8, camp chesty 
with arms, helmets, and other accoutrements and implements of war; 9, two young. 
Indian maidens ; 10, Indian chiefs bringing the pipe of peace ; 11, old priest bless- 
ing the cross; 12, ecclesiastic bearing the censer; I j, stalwart men planting the 
cross. 

The first engagement for a picture to fill this panel was with 
Henrj' Inman . The artist however died before the completion 
of his w^ork, and the picture w^as abandoned. 

Landing of Columbus, October 12, 1492 : Vanderlyn. 
Ordered 1842, cost $10,000. This painting represents Colum- 
bus, accompanied by his principal officers and a few attend- 
ants, already landed on the Island of Guanahani, one of the 
Bahama Islands, and the first land discovered. The successful 
discoverer is in the act of proclaiming possession in the name 
of the king and queen of Spain. In the distance groups of 
seamen are giving expression to their joy; two figures near 
are contending for glittering particles in the sand. The fleet 
at anchor in the distance. A peculiarly tropical haze pervades 
tlie atmosphere. 

The following are the principal characters represented, 
commencing on the observer's 1. : 

I, Alonzo de Ojeda ; 2, cabin boy kneeling; j, Rodrigo Sanchez, inspector; 4,. 
Vincent Yanez, standard bearer; 5, Martin Alonzo Pinzon, standard bearer; 6^ 
mutineer repentant; 7, Rodrigo de Escobedo, notary ; 8, Columbus; 9, soldier look- 
ing at the natives; 10, sailor's veneration of Columbus; 11, friar bearing the cross. 

Embarkation of the Pilgrims from Delft-Haven, in 
Holland, July 21, 1620, O. S. : Weir. Ordered 1836, cost 
$10,000. Represents the Puritan fathers about to brave the 



76 ROTUNDA. 

dangers of the stormy Atlantic for an asylum in the wilds of 
America, where they might enjoy the blessings of civil and 
religious liberty. 

The following portraits are introduced, commencing on the 
observer's 1. : 

I, boy of Mrs. Winslow; 2, Mr. and Mrs. Winslow; j, Mr. and Mrs. White j 
4, boy of Mrs. Winslow; 5, Mrs. Brewster and child; 6, Elder William Brewster; 
7, Mr. and Mrs. Fuller; 8, William Bradford; 9, Gov. Carver; 10, nurse and 
child; II, Mrs. Carver and child ; 12, William Robinson, pastor of the congrega- 
tion; I J, Mrs. Bradford; 14, Captain Reynolds; 15, boy of Gov. Carver;' 16, 
Miles Standish and wife Rose. 

The domical ceiling, viewed from the pavement of the 
Kotunda consists of an inner shell, over which is the mas- 
sive iron covering of the Dome. The canopy stands at a 
height of 180 ft. above the pavement, and measures 65J ft. 
in dameter, and 21 ft. perpendicular height. The canopy is 
ornamented with a variety of figures in fresco, combining 
allegory and history, executed by C. Brumidi. The central 
group, which occupies the apex of the ceiling, represents a 
deification of Washington, the Father of American Liberty. 
On his r. is Freedom, and on his 1. Victory. In the foreground 
are 13 female figures, representing the original States of 
the American Union. These figures form a crovni and sup- 
port a band, upon which are the appropriate words E Pluri- 
bus TJnum. The figures begin with JSTew Hampshire, on the 
1. of Victory, and follow in semi-circular procession, accord- 
ing to their geographical order. The drapery, decoration, 
and coloring are designed to indicate the products and situa- 
tion of the States represented. Around the base of the can- 
opy, which measm-es about 204 ft., are 6 emblematic groups, 
designed as an allegory of the Kevolution, 1776-'83. These 
groups begin at the W. 

1. The Fall of Tyranny. — Represented by Freedom and an Eagle battling 
with Tyranny and Priestcraft; a mailed soldier vainly struggling to uphold the 
ermined robe of royalty. Discord stands by ; also Anger and Revenge, with the 
incendiary torch. 

2. Agriculture, towards the N. — Represented by Ceres, with cornucopia. 
America, wearing a red Cap of Liberty, turning over to Ceres the mastery of a pair 
of horses attached to a reaper. Flora is gathering flowers, and Pomona bears a basket 
of fruit. 

3. Mechanics. — Represented by Vulcan, resting his r. foot on a cannon, and 
around are the various instruments of his art, with mortars and cannon balls. 

Ill the E. is — 

4. Commerce. — Represented by Mercury, holding a bag of gold, and directing 
attention to it. The figure thus called is Robert Morris, the financier of the Revo- 
lution. Merchandise, with men at work, and two sailors, pointing to a gunboat, 
complete the allegory. 

5. Marine. — Representing Neptune in his car, bearing his trident, accompanied 
by attendants, emerging from the deep. Amphrodite, Venus, is about dropping 
into the foaming waters an electric cable, which has been handed her by a cherub. 

6. Arts and Sciences. — Represented by Minerva, the Goddess of Wisdom, 



ASCENT OP THE DOME. 77 

surrounded by figures— Franklin, the philosopher; Fulton, the inventor of the 
steamboat ; and Morse, the inventor of the magnetic telegraph. The figures of 
juveniles indicate teaching. 

These frescoes cover nearly 5,000 sq. ft. They may be 
viewed from different points in the ascent of the Dome. As 
they are approached tiiey increase in size. Seen from the 
bakistrade beneath the canopy, tiiey are of colossal propor- 
tions. Sufficient light by day is thrown in from the openings 
in the outer shell of the Dome. At night hundreds of gas 
jets, lighted by electricity, illuminate not only the canopy, 
but the entire interior of the Dome. 

These frescoes were ordv^red in 1864, and cost $50,000, of 
which $39,000 was paid foi compensation of the artist d,nd as- 
sistants, and the balance for materials. 

Ascent of the Dome. — The stah-vvay inside tlie first door on 
the 1., after leaving the rotunda on the N., leads to the top 
of the dome. At the head of the first flight of steps on the 
r. is the entrance to the battery and electric gas-liglitiiig ap- 
paratus^ to wliich a visit should be made. Returning and 
continuing the ascent, an opportunity is afforded of studying 
the mechanism of the immense structure overhead. A small 
door at the top of an intricate flight of steps opens between 
tlie inner and outer shells. On the inside is a range of arches, 
affording a view of the rotunda and canopy. A short distance 
above a doorway opens under an imposing peristyle of 36 iron 
column s. The next door opens upon a balustrade above . The 
last ascent is by an abrupt flight of steps over the inner shell, 
which leads to the platform immediatelj^ beneath the canopy. 
This point affords a closer view of Brumidi's allegory, a de- 
scription of which will be found elsewhere. This platform 
makes a fine whispering gallery. Another flight of steps 
leads to the crowning platform, from which the most exten- 
sive view of the city may be had. 

Panoramic View of the City. — With the assistance of the 
maps of the city and District, the stranger will be able to ac- 
fiuaint himself with tlie most prominent features in the view. 
Looking towards tlie E., on the 1. is the Asylum for the Deaf 
and Dumb, and on the r., bej'^ond the Anacostia, tlie Asj'lum 
for the Insane. On the S. may be seen the Anacostia uniting 
witli tlie broad current of the Potomac. On the point are the 
buildings of the Arsenal, and 7 m. below, on the oi)posite shore, 
Alexandria. Opposite Georgetown is Arlington House, with 
Fort Whipple on the r. In the W. is the official cxuarter of 
tlie city. The building on the hill, at the head of New Jersey 
av., is the Howard University ; and the white tower in the dis- 



78 



DIAGRAM OP THE CAPITOL. 




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LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. t \J 

tance, on the line uf E. Capitol st., is the Soldiers' Home. 
The railroad which leaves the city on the N. is the Baltimore 
and Ohio — the r. branch for Baltimore, and the 1. for Point of 
Kocks and the W. The road S. of the Capitol is the Balti- 
more and Potomac, also for the JST. and W., running in coiv 
nection with the Pennsylvania Central. The Tiber Creek 
follows the basin of the valley on the IST. 

Library of the United States.— (Opew every day, Sundays 
excepted, from 9 a. m. to 4j?. m. ; during the sessions of Con- 
gress till hour of adjournment.) The Library of the United 
States may be reached from the Eotunda by the W. door, 
along the corridor on either side of the balustrade around the 
head of the staircase leading up from the main W. entrance. 
The principal door of the Library is immediately opposite the 
W. door of the Rotunda. 

The Library Halls occupj^ the principal floor of the entire 
W. projection of the Capitol, consisting of a connecting cen- 
tral hall, 91^ ft. long, 34 ft. Avide, and'38 ft. high, completed 
in 1853, with two wings on the IST. and S., each 95 ft. long, 29| 
ft. wide, and 38 ft. high, finished in 1865. The interior was 
designed by Mr. Walter, Architect of the Capitol, who com- 
pleted the central library, and the ^Aings were carried out by 
^h\ Clark, his successor, at a total cost of $280,000. The cen- 
tral library consists of 12 deep recesses, or alcoves, surmount- 
ed by 2 upper tiers of cases, with galleries and corridors, all of 
iron. The hall is lighted by windows in the alcoves and by 
skjiights fitted in the iron frame- work of the roof, and trans- 
mitted through the ceiling. This consists of iron framc-Avork, 
supported upon massive foliated iron brackets, each weigh- 
ing 2,000 lbs. The alcoves and shelves are embellished with 
pilastered and paneled fronts, painted a soft buff" color and 
artistically gilded. The book-shelves are also of iron, and 
covered with leather. The floors are of tessellated black-and- 
white marble. The wings are of the same design as the cen- 
tral hall. The former have 4 tiers of shelves instead of 3. Heat 
and ventilation are supplied from the Senate and House ap- 
paratus, 200 ft. distant, on either side. The iron- work was 
manufactured in Xew York, and transported in pieces. It 
is the only completely fire-proof librarj^ in the world. The 
library halls afford accommodation for 172,000 volumes, and 
with the attic and law library 210,000. The additional space 
requu'ed has been in part supplied by temporary wooden 
shelves ranged along the galleries. 

It is proposed to erect a suitable building in the angle of 
the E. Parlv of the Capitol, to be specially devoted to the pur- 
poses of the Library of the United States. A special com- 



80 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

mission, created bj^ act of Mar. 3, 1S73, now have this subject 
under consideration. 

Speaking of the necessities of the Library, Mr. Spofford, Li- 
brarian, says : "Whatever maybe tlie present rate of growth 
of American libraries, it cannot be doubted that tlieir prospec- 
tive increase, with the growing development and intellectual 
enterprise of the country, will be in an accelerated ratio as 
compared with the past. The Library has twice doubled with- 
in, twelve years. In 1860 there were 63,000 volumes in the 
Library, in 1866 there were 100,000, and in 1872 there were 
246,000. Without calculating upon specially large accessions, 
it is reasonable to assume that, by the ordinary additions to 
its stores from copyrights and from all other sources, it will 
reacli 700,000 volumes"'by the year 1900, 1,250,000 by the year 
1925, 1,750,000 by 1950, and 2,500,000 by 1975, or about a cen- 
tury lience." 

In 1874 the Library numbered 260,000 volumes and 50,000 
pamphlets. Of this aggregate 30,000 volumes belonged to 
the law librarj\ The average annual accessions are 10,000 
books and 5,000 pamphlets. Tlie sources of supply in the or- 
der of numbers are as follows : purchase, copyright, (excluding 
duplicates,) deposit of the Smithsonian Institution, presenta- 
tion, and exchange. The whole number of copvrights entered 
in 1873 was 15,352. 

The largest liorary in the world is the Bibliotlieque Natioii- 
aU^ Paris, having about 1,400,000 volumes. The second is the 
British Museum ^Library ^ London, with 900,000 volumes. The 
Royal Library., at Munich, claims to have 800,000 volumes. It 
may be generally stated that there are sixteen libraries in Eu- 
rope larger than the Library of the United States. Tlie lat- 
ter, numbering 260,000 volumes, is the largest in America. 
The second is the Boston Public Library, which has about 
200,000. 

This national collection of books has many distinctive fea- 
tures. It is richer than anj^ other — perliaps than all others 
combined — in books, pamphlets, journals, manuscripts, and 
maps relating to the history and topography of America. It 
is only approximated in this particular b}^ tlie library in the 
British Museum in London. It is also well stocked with the 
printed literature, in various languages, relating to South, 
Central, and British America, and the Islands of the West 
Indies. Its collection of pamphlets illustrating the progress 
and political history of the country is unrivaled. 

The next great feature is the completeness of its law" de- 
partment, including, as it does, complete sets, nearly all in 
duplicate, of English and American reports, the statute law 
of all countries, and the best editions of most published text- 



LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 81 

books in the common and civil law. Every department of 
jurisprndence i^ represented, and the collection is kept up to 
date by purchase and the importation of the freshest works in 
evei-y lield. The general library is very complete in its peri- 
odical collections. Full sets of all tlie British and American 
reviews and magazines are kept up, and bound files of the 
leading newspapers of the country are here stored for refer- 
ence. "One of the most valuable files of newspapers is a full 
set of the London Gazette, from its first issue in 1665 down 
to date. Only one other complete set exists. This contin- 
ues the official organ of the British Government. Besides the 
valuable collection of colonial and revolutionary newspa]:)ers, 
the Librarj^ is in possession of a complete file of the New York 
Evening Post, from its first issue in 1801 to the present year ; 
the Charleston Courier, from its first issue in 1802 down to 
its demise in 1873 ; and the Savannah Republican for the same 
•period. Also files of other metropolitan and provincial news- 
papers. No department of literature, art, or science is neg- 
lected. There is a good library of works on chess, angling, 
cooking, and all miscellaneous topics, while in the exact 
and applied sciences the wealth of the collection is inesti- 
mable. 

The Library of the United States became the repository of 
tlie entire Smithsonian library after the fire in 1866, which 
destroyed so large a portion of that building. This part of 
the collection embraces the largest assemblage of the trans- 
actions of scientific and learned societies to be found in the 
world. Among the rare works are two great folios, written 
on vellum, with numerous illuminations by hand, executed 
with the utmost care in the 13th centmy. The oldest printed 
book in the library is a Constitution of Pope Clement V, of 
Rome, printed in 1467, by Peter Schoeffer, at Mentz. 

Among the most rare works of the Force collection are a 
copy of Eliot's Indian Bible ; 41 different works by Increase 
and Cotton Mather, printed in Boston and Cambridge, 1671- 
1735; files of early American newspapers, from 1735-1800; 
303 early atlases and maps, some unpublislied, covering the 
country from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico; a large number 
of incunabula or books printed during the infancy of the art, 
eiiibracing a complete series of imprints by the most distin- 
gui£<])ed early printers, representing every year from 1467 to 
1500, and a large number printed in the following century; 
also 48 folio volumes of historical autographs of great rarity 
and interest, embracing a collection of "revolutionary letters, 
chiefly military and political, covering the ^^•llole period, 
from 1765 to 1787. The numerical extent of this collection is 
22,520 volumes, or, including pamplilets, 60,000 titles. 
6 



82 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The Library is also rich in illustrated works in fine arts, 
architecture, and natural history. 

Under the Rules of the Library, the privilege of taking 
books out is accorded by divers statutes to the following per- 
sons : The President of the United States, Vice President of 
the United States, members of the Senate, members of the 
House of Representatives, members of the Cabinet, judges of 
the Supreme Court, judges and solicitors of the Court of 
Claims, representatives of foreign governments residing at 
Washington, Secretary of the Senate, Clerk of the House of 
Representatives, Solicitor of the Treasury, Financial Agent 
of the Library Committee, ex-Presidents of the United States, 
Chaplains of the two Houses of Congress, the Secretary of the 
Smithsonian Institiltion. All persons 16 years of age and up- 
wards are permitted to call for books to be used in the li- 
brary hall, and may obtain the same by filling one of the 
blank forms of tickets found on the tables and handing it to 
the assistant at the Librarian's desk. Books taken out by 
persons authorized thereto must be returned in two weeks. 
N'o maps, manuscripts, or printed books of especial rarity are 
permitted to be taken out of the Library. 

In addition to the Library of the United States, each 
House of Congi-ess has a documentary collection of its own, 
comprising all oflacial documents published under their au- 
thority. 



THE CAPITOL/— WEST FRONT. 

A fine view of the business and ofiicial quarters of the city 



LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 83 

may be had from the W. Portico, reached through the door 
ill the centre of the W. side of the main hall. Immediately 
below are the terraces which form the W. face of the emi- 
nence upon which the Capitol stands. Pennsylvania av. 
diverges from the r., and Maryland av. from the 1. Towards 
the W., between these, lie the Botanical Garden, with its 
conservatories, and the Mall, from which rise the towers of 
the Smithsonian Institution, the square outlines of the De- 
partment of Agriculture, and the unfinished Obelisk to the 
memory of Washington, all surrounded by beautiful gardens, 
and the Long Bridge. On the summit of the hill still farther 
W. are the two domes of the Observatory, and still beyond 
the Heights of Georgetown. To the S., at the point where 
the two rivers join, lies the Arsenal. Following the broad 
bosom of the Potomac, at a distance of 7 m. the shipping and 
buildings of Alexandria are visible, and upon the river sail- 
ing and steam-craft. On the heights overlooking the oppo- 
site bank of the river is Arlington, famous as the former 
residence of the Confederate Gen. Lee, and now the resting;- 
place of thousands of soldiers of the national army. A little 
to the r. and rear stands Fort Whipple. Looking towards 
the N., on the distant hills may be seen the tower of the 
Soldiers' Home, and nearer the Howard University. A fine 
view may also be had of Pennsylvania av., with the Treasury 
Department, President's House, and the new State, War, 
and Navy Department, visible at the other end. At various 
points may be seen the other public buildings, school-houses,, 
and churches, blending with the mass of the city. 

Librarians of the United States. — Clerks of the House of 
Eepresentatives : 1802-1807, John Beckley, of Va. ; 1807-, 
1815, Patrick Magruder, of Md. Librarians : 1815-1829^ 
George Watterson, D. C. ; 1829-1861, John S. Meehan, IS". 
Y. ; 1861-1864, John G. Stephenson, Ind. ; 1864, Ainsworth; 
K. Spoffbrd, Ohio. 

History. — The act of April 24, 1800, providing for the re-, 
moval and accommodation of the Government of the United: 
States, authorized the expenditure of $5,000 for the purchase 
of such books as might be necessary for the use of Congress 
at Washington, and for fitting up a suitable apartment in 
the Capitol for their safe-keepino^. A small number of books 
was purchased and forw^arded to the Seat of Government. 
The chief promoter of the interests of the Library from the 
beginning w^as Thomas Jefferson. On Dec. 18, 1801, Uriah 
Tracy, of Connecticut, and three days later John Kandolph, 
of Koanoke, respectively of the Senate and House of Eepre- 
sentatives, and of the new committee appointed on the Li- 
brary, made an important report to their respective Houses 



84 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

on the subject of the needs of the Library of CongTess. The 
eft'ect was beneficial. A few weeks Liter, Jan. 26, 1802, the 
act "concerning the Library for the use of both Houses of 
Congress" was passed. Under the provisions of this act 
all the books or libraries previously kept separately by each 
House were placed in the Capitol, in the room in the N. wing 
occupied by the House of Representatives during the last ses- 
sion of the Sixth Congress. The House, from 1801 to 1805, 
occupied the temporary structure outside, known as the 
*' Oven," south of the building. The unexpended balance of 
the first appropriation of $5,000, together witli such sums as 
might be thereafter appropriated, were to be expended under 
the direction of the joint committee. The early appropria- 
tions were very small, as low as $450. The first collection 
of books under the new act Avas made in 1802, under tlie 
direction of Albert Gallatin, of Penn., Dr. Samuel Latham 
Mitchill, of N. Y., and others, and comprised about 3,000 
volumes. 

In 1806, on the report of Dr. Mitchill, Congress appropri- 
ated $1,000 for the purchase of books. Since that time that 
amount has been increased from time to time, as the neces- 
sities of the Library became apparent to the slow appreciation 
of Congress. The present average annual appropriation is 
$12,000. 

During the brief occupation of the city by the British, in 

1814, the Library was destroyed, with the rest of the interior 
of the Capitol. To repair tliis loss, Thomas Jefferson, in a 
letter dated at Monticello, Sept. 21, 1814, addressed to Samuel 
H. Smith, tendered the sale of his library of 6,700 volumes 
to Congress. The Senate accepted the offer at once. In 
the House, however, there was considerable debate, but the 
offer was there also accepted. The collection contained 
many rare works, gathered by Mr. Jefferson in Europe. 
The price paid b^'- Congress was $23,950. 

It was objected to Jefferson's collection, that some of tlie 
volumes were of an infidel character, and by otiiers that it 
contained too many Bibles. His books may be distinguished 
by a private mark. Wherever the printer's signature occurs 
at the bottom of the page as a J, he has made a T before it, 
and when T occurs, a J after it. This makes the initials of 
his name. 

The new Library was deposited in the Post-oflSce building, 
an old structure commenced by Samuel Blodgett, in 1793, as 
a hotel, and situated on the S. side of the present Post Office 
square. Congress also held one session here, but in Dec, 

1815, met in the building on Capitol Hill, erected for its 
temporary accommodation by the citizens of Washington. 



LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 85 

The Libraiy, however, was not removed till after the resto- 
ration of the N". wing was completed. It was then trans- 
ferred temporarily to apartments on the W. side of the build- 
ing, over the present oflSces of the Clerk of the Supreme 
Court. 

In 1824 the Library was removed to the hall in the centre 
of the W. front of the Capitol, specially designed and litted 
up for its accommodation. The same hall, reconstructed of 
fire-proof materials, now constitutes the central library of 
the superb suit of apartments devoted to the uses of the 
Library of the United States. 

In 1824 all duties upon books, maps, and charts imported 
for the Library were remitted by act of Congress. 

In 1846 a copy of all books, maps, charts, &c., cop,y righted 
in the United States, was required to be sent to the Library 
of Congress. This was generally disregarded, and was re- 
pealed in 1859, and re-enacted in 1865. In 1867 a penalty 
was placed upon any violation of this law. 

In 1851 the Library numbered 55,000 volumes. On Christ- 
mas Eve of that year the Library took fire in one of the 
alcoves, from timbers carelessly exposed to the flues. The 
progress of the flames was rapid. In a short time 85,000 
volumes were destroyed. 

The destruction of a few works of art in the hall was irrep- 
arable. Of these the following are mentioned : Stuart's paint- 
ings of the flrst five Presidents of the United States; two 
portraits of Columbus, one said to have been an original ; an 
original of Peyton Randolph, Pi-esident of the fii*st Conti- 
nental Congress, and others of Boliver, Baron Steuben by 
Pyne, Baron De Kalb, Cortez, Judge Hansom, of Maryland ; 
about 1,200 bronze medals of the Vattemare Exchange, some 
over two centuries old ; a likeness of Washington in bronze ; 
and busts of General Taylor by an Italian, and La Fayette 
bj^ David. The fire, however, was confined to the central 
libra r3^ 

Congress, within the year ensuing, appropriated $157,500 
for the restoration of the library hall and the purchase of 
books. In the meantime one of the document rooms and ad- 
joi)iing passages was occupied. 

In 1866 the custody of the valuable library of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, consisting of 40,000 volumes, was transfer- 
red to the Library. 

In 1867, at a cost of $100,000, Congress purchased the Peter 
Force collection of books, manuscripts, maps, and papers re- 
lating to American history, the most complete private collec- 
tion extant. Mr. Force was born in New Jersey in 1790, and 
died in Washington, D. C, in 1868. 



86 LIBRARY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The act of CongTess to revise, consolidate, and amend the 
statutes relating to patents and copyrights^ approved July 8, 
1870, abolished the earlier system of entering in the clerk's 
office of the district courts, and established a general law, 
providing that all records and other things relating to copy- 
rights, and required by law to be preserved, should be under 
the control of the Librarian of Congress, (the United States,) 
and kept and preserved in that Library. In accordance with 
this tlie Libraiian has the immediate care and supervision of 
all matters touching copyrights, under the general direction 
of the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. The 
Librarian makes an annual report to Congress of the number 
and description of copyright publications for which entries 
have been made during the year. 

Two copies of the best edition of each book copyrighted are 
required to be sent to the Librarian, and one copy of each sub- 
sequent edition. The term of copyright is twenty-eight years, 
and, under certain regulations, may be extended for an ad- 
ditional term of fourteen years. 

The Law Branch of the Library of the United States occu- 
pies an apartment on the E. side of the basement of the N. 
wing of the main Capitol building, used from 1800 to 1860 by 
the Supreme Court of the United States, and immediately 
below the room at present occupied by that tribunal. The 
law books of the Library for a time occupied a room S. of the 
central library, and in 1848 were removed to an apartment on 
the W. side of the basement, near the Supreme Court room. 
In 1860, after the removal of the Supreme Court, the books 
were deposited in the present place. 

In February, 1816, an effort was made to establish a law 
library at the Seat of Government for th^ use of the Supreme 
Court of the United States. The measui-e failed for want of 
action by the House of Representatives. 
. In 1832 an act "to increase and improve the law depart- 
ment of the Library of Congress of the United States " was 
the first official recognition of this important subject. The 
fine and newly assigned apartment was authorized to remain, 
however, under the superintendence of the Librarian of Con- 
gress. The Justices of the Supreme Court were to have free 
access to the library, and to make rules and regulations for 
its proper custody and management, but not in conflict with 
the same for the government of the Library of Congress, nor 
to exclude any officers or persons having access to that Library. 

The sum of $5,000, and an annual sum of $1,000, for a pe- 
riod of five years, was appropriated, to be expended in law 
books, the purchases to be made by the Librarian of Con- 
gress, under the direction of the Chief Justice of the Unit'^d 



SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES. 87 

k^Jtates. These appropriations have since varied in amounts, 
at present averaging $2,000 each year. At that time there 
were about 2,000 law books in the Library of Congress, of 
which 639 were of the Jefferson library. 

Under a resolution of Congi-ess, the law library of James 
L. Petigru, of S. C, was pm-chased in 1867 for $5,000. 

The law branch of the Library of the United States is now 
the largest and most valuable law collection in the United 
States. 

North Wing, — ^Tjeaving the Kotunda by the N. door, the 
passage leads into a small elliptical vestibule, in imitation of 
a Greek temple, containing a peristyle, supported on an arched 
substruction in the basement. The capitals of the pillars are 
ornamented with the leaf and flower of the tobacco plant. A 
dim light is admitted through the cupola. The door imme- 
diately on the 1. entering this space leads to the electrician's 
apartments and the top of the Dome. On the 1. of the nar- 
row passage is the apparatus which operates the wires con- 
necting the batteries and gas jets. Across this vestibule is a 
second vestibule, which leads into the Supreme Court room 
on the E. Opposite is a prostyle of Potomac marble. The 
door on this side opens into the offices of the Marshal and 
Clerk of the Supreme Com-t. 

Supreme Court of the United States.— (Ope?? to visitors every 
day^ except Sunday.) The apartment occupied by this tribu- 
nal, formerly the Senate Chamber, is semi-circular, with a 
rather flat dome, enriched with square caissons in stucco, and 
ck-cular apertures to admit light. The chamber is 75 ft . great- 
est length or diameter, 45 ft. greatest width, and 45 ft. high. 
On the E. side a screen of Grecian Ionic columns of breccia., 
or variegated Potomac marble, with capitals of white Italian 
marble, modeled after those of the Temple of Minerva, pol- 
ished, extends along the back of the range of seats of the 
Justices. These columns, with the entablature, support a 
gallery. The seats of the Justices are raised several feet 
above the floor, and are ranged behind a low screen, which 
answers the pm-pose of desks. The Chief Justice occupies 
the centre seat. The oflicers of the court have desks at either 
end and at the foot of the Justices' platform. The floor is 
beautifully carpeted, and tables and chau-s are placed within 
the bar for the accommodation of those having cases before 
the court. Outside the rail are seats for visitors. Against 
the "W. wall are a number of consoles, supporting busts of the 
departed Chief Justices: 

John Jay, by Frazee, 1831, $400; John Rutledge, 1857, 



88 SUPREME COURT OP THE UNITED STATES. 

$800 ; Oliver Ellsworth, by Auger, 1834, 8400 ; John Mar- 
shall, 1836, $500. 

The tunes for holding the sessions of the Supreme Court 
have been subjected to frequent changes by statute since 1789. 
Under the act of January, 1873, the annual session com- 
mences on the second Monday of October in each year. The 
adjournment usually takes place in May following. Daily 
sessions from 12 noon to 4 p. m. The Justices, wearing their 
judicial robes, enter from the IsT. door of the chamber, and 
are formally announced by the Marshal or deput5\ The peo- 
ple in the room rise and remain standing till the Justices are 
seated. The opening of the court is then proclaimed by a 
proper officer. 

When the court-room was occupied by the Senate the 
President's chair stood in a niche in the screen of columns, 
and was raised on a platform. In front and lower were the 
desks of the Secretary and Chief Clerk. The entablature of 
the screen supported a gallery, in front of which w^as another, 
following the circle of the room, and supported by iron col- 
umns, with bronzed caps, surmounted by a gilt iron balus- 
trade. Against the wall over the E. gallery was a fine 
pahiting of "Washington, bj'' Charles Wilson Peale, richly 
framed and draped. The chamber was chiefly lighted from 
the E., and the President's chair, standing on the line of 
the diameter of the circle, formed the centre of the radiat- 
ing aisles, between which, in concentric curves, were ar- 
ranged the Senator's desks. Tliere were accommodations 
for 64 Senators. In the rear a railing enclosed the bar of 
the Senate. Outside were sofas for privileged visitors. The 
offices of the Senate occupied the rooms in the immediate 
vicinity of the chamber. 

Originally there was an upper gallery on the E. side, sup- 
ported by an attic colonnade, but this was removed in 1828 
to admit more light. It was then that the semi-circular gal- 
lerj'- was introduced. The approaches to the chamber and 
galleries were exceedingly dark and gloomy. At night a 
gas chandelier diffused light. On the W. side of the building, 
across the main vestibule, were the offices of the Secretary 
of the Senate, now occupied by the officers of the court. The 
two rooms on the N". side were assigned to the President and 
Vice President — now the robing rooms. 

Latrobe, the architect, proposed to have one of the galle- 
ries supported upon emblematical figures, representing the 
thirteen original States. The models, by Franzoni, were 
completed in Italy and brought over, but no further use was 
made of them, Congress failing to appropriate the funds 
necessary to the execution of the design. 



THE UNITED STATES COURT OF CLAIMS. 89 

In the plan of the citj', the reservation between D and G 
sts. N. and 4th and oth sts. W. was set apart for the erection 
of a building' for the uses of the judicial branch of the Govern- 
ment. ]S"othing, however, was done. In Feb., 1801, the 
Supreme Court" of the United States was assigned to and 
assembled in the basement on the E. side, immediately be- 
neath the present room, and now the Law Library. The 
court was assigned to its present accommodations iirDec, 
1860, upon the occupation of the new chamber provided for 
the Senate. It is proposed to erect a building for the inde- 
pendent use of the judiciary, to include the Supreme and 
other courts of the United States in the District of Colum- 
bia. The site under consideration is the square recentlj'' 
added to the E. Park of the Capitol Grounds on the S., to 
correspond with the proposed building for the occupation of 
the Library of the United States in the same square on the N". 
These two buildings completed, standing respectively SE. 
and jS'E., and clear of the E. facade of the Capitol, would 
add greatly to the magnificence of the main central structure. 

Chief Justices. — 1789, John Jay, N. Y. ; 1795, John Rut- 
ledge, S. C, rejected; 1796, William Cushing, Mass., de- 
clined; 1796, Oliver Ellsworth, Conn.; 1800, John Jay, N". 
Y. ; 1801, John Marshall, Va. ; 1836, Eoger B. Taney, Md. ; 
1864, Salmon P. Chase, Ohio; 1874, Morrison R.Waite, Ohio. 

Associate Justices^ 1874. — N'athan Clifford, Me., 1858; 
Xoali H. Swayne, Ohio, 1862 ; Samuel F. Miller, lo., 1862 ; 
David Davis, 111., 1862 ; Stephen Field, Cal., 1863 ; William 
Strong, Penn., 1870; Joseph P. Bradley, IlsT. J., 1870; Ward 
Hunt; N. Y., 1873. 

The judicial poioer of the United States, by the third ar- 
ticle of the Constitution, is vested in one supreme court 
and in such inferior courts as Congress may from time to 
time ordain and establish. The judges of both the supreme 
and inferior courts hold their offices during good behavior, 
and receive for their services compensation which cannot 
be diminished during their continuance in office. The Chief 
Justice and Associates of the Supreme Court of the United 
States are appointed by the President, by and with the ad- 
vice of the Senate. The Constitution defines the judicial 
power of the court, which is confined to civil cases national 
in their character : for instance, between citizens of different 
States, or in which aliens or representatives of foreign gov- 
ernments are interested, questions under treaties, and appel- 
late and revisory jurisdiction in certain cases. 

The United States Court of Claims occupies a suit of rooms 
hi the basement of the W. projection of the centi-al building. 



90 



SENATE EXTENSION. 





reached by the 1. corridor after entermg the main W. door oi 
the Capitol. The court consists of a Ciiief Justice and foiu* 
Associates. Its business is the verification of claims against 
the U. S. and brought before Congress for adjustment. Chief 
Justice, Charles D. Drake, Mo., 1870. 

North or Senate Extension. — In order to preserve the con- 
tinuity of description, after leaving the Supreme Court room, 
in the IST. Wing, the visitor to the Capitol should proceed di- 
rectly to the Bronze Door of the E. vestibule of the 2^. Exten- 
sion, which may be reached by pursuing the main N". and S. 
corridor, and at its terminus turning to the r. and then to the 
1., the last corridor ending in the vestibule. Just after leaving 
the vestibule of the Supreme Court the division between the 
original Capitol and the Extension will be observed, the first 
part reached being the connecting corridor. 

The Senate Bronze Door, by Crawford, consists of a simple 

post and lintel. The frame over 
the door is supported by enrich • 
ed brackets. The ornamenta- 
tion consists of scroll-work and 
acanthus, with the cotton-boll, 
maize, grapes, and entwining 
vines. The upper panel of each 
valve contains a star, surround- 
ed by a wreath of oak leaves, and 
acts as a ventilator. In the foot 
panel of each leaf are figures, 
typical of Peace and War. The 
door is 14^ ft. high and 9J ft. 
wide, with two leaves, weighs 
14,000 lbs., and was cast by 
James T. Ames, at Chicopee, 
Mass. The total cost was §6,- 
000 for model and $50,495 for 
casting. It was put up in 1868. 
The remainder of the door 
is divided into 6 panels, in 
which, in alto relievo^ are rep- 
resented events connected with 
the revolutionary struggle, the 
-establishment of the Government, and the foundation of the 
Capitol. The panels containing historical subjects, in chro- 
nological succession, begin at the top of the left valve of the 
door, as follows : 

I. Battle of Bunker Hill and Death of Warren, June, 1775. 



VI 



IV 







n 



in 




SENATE BRONZE DOOR. 



SENATE EXTENSION. 91 

II. Battle of Monmouth, June, 1778, and Rebuke of General Lee, who meditated 
betraying the American Army. 

III. Battle of Yorktown, October, 1781. Hamilton's Capture of the Redoubt. 

IV. Welcome of Washington at Trenton, April, 1789, on his way to New York 
to assume the office of President of the United States. This panel contains por- 
traits of the sculptor, his wife, and three children, and of Rogers, the sculptor of 
the Main Door. 

V. Inauguration of Washington, First President of the United States, in New 
York, April 30, 1789. The principal figures in this panel are portraits, including 
John Adams, Vice President, on his right; Chancellor Livingstone administers the 
oath; Mr. Otis, Secretary of the Senate, presented the Bible. The other distinguished 
personages represented are Alexander Hamilton, Generals Knox and St. Clair, Roger 
Sherman, and Baron Steuben. 

VI. Laying of the Corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States at Washing- 
ton, September 18, 179J. The prominent figures are likenesses. 

The order to Mr. Crawford contemplated two doors, one for 
the E. Portico of each wing. The sculptor had proceeded no 
further than to complete the drawing of his designs and the 
work of his models in clay, when he was overtaken by death. 
The work, however, was completed by W. H. Khinehart, of 
Maryland, an assistant in the studio of the sculptor at Eome. 
The fortunate exaction of a guaranty from the European 
founder, who seemed to doubt the ability of the nation to 
maintain its credit and to cope with the Rebellion, then 
going on, led to the shipment of the models to the United 
States in 1863. They were somewhat damaged in removal, 
but were restored by Silas Mosman, of Massachusetts, under 
whose superintendence they were cast. The mechanical ex- 
ecution of this work is considered in every respect equal to the 
great Door, and establishes the skill of American workmen 
in competition with those of Europe. 

Above the door, resting on a cap supported by massive 
brackets, are tw^o reclining female figures, in American mar- 
ble, by Crawford, representing Justice and History. Both 
recline against a globe, the former supporting a volume bear- 
ing the words "Justice, Law, and Order," and has a pair of 
scales lying by her side. The latter holds a scroll, inscribed 
"History, July, 1776." On either side of the door, in the 
beautiful marble wall, is a niche, ready to receive appropriate 
statues. 

From this portico the bronze door enters a vestibule, consist- 
ing of a colonnade of 16 fluted marble columns, with capitals 
of acanthus and tobacco leaves. The columns are disposed in 
couples, and equally divided on either side with corresponding- 
pilasters. The ceiling is composed of massive blocks of liighly- 
polished marble, ranged so as to form panels, three of which 
are provided with stained glass for the admission of light. 
The walls are scagliola imitation of Sienna marble, and are 
broken at suitable intervals into niches, with bases of Ten- 
nessee marble. The fl.oor is tessellated in white and blue 



92 SENATE EXTENSION. 

marble. The first door on the 1., after entering', leads into 
the Official Beporiers^ Boom. On the r. is the Senate Post 
Office. At the W. end is a smaller vestibule, leading to the 
floor of the Senate Chamber. The doors are of bird's-eye 
map]e, with bronze enrichments, and set in bronze frames. 
The Senate Chamber will be described from the galleries. 
The public are permitted on the floor of the Chamber when 
the Senate is not in session. Tlie regular hour of meeting 
of the Senate dm-ing the session is 12 noon every day ex- 
cept Sunday, and adjourns on its own motion : holiday and 
night sessions are ordered by the Senate. During the ses- 
sion the following persons onlj^ are by law entitled to the 
privileges of the floor of the Senate : Oflicers of the Senate ; 
Members of the House of Kepresentatives and their clerks; 
President of the U. S. and private secretary; heads of de- 
partments; Mnisters of the U. S. and Foreign Ministers; 
ex-Presidents and ex- Vice Presidents of the U. S. ; ex-Sen- 
ators and Senators elect ; Judges of the Supreme Court of 
the U. S. ; Governors of States and Territories ; General of 
the Army ; Admiral of the Il^avy ; Members of N^ational 
Legislatures of foreign countries ; private secretaries of Sen- 
ators, appointed in writing ; and Librarian of Congress. 

The W. door in the S. wall of the main vestibule leads to the 
E. Staircase^ ascending to the corridors and committee rooms 
of the second floor and to the ladies' galleries and retiring 
rooms. This magnificent staircase is made of highly-polished 
Tennessee marble. The columns have bronze capitals. The 
ascent from the main floor is by a broad flight of 16 steps, which 
divide at the first landing, the rest of the ascent being by a 
double flight of 18 steps. Overhead is a stained-glass skylight 
set in an iron frame, surrounded by iron casing of trellis work, 
resting on a heavy cornice of marble. At the foot of the steps, 
in a niche, stands the semi-heroic statue of Franklin, the phi- 
losopher, in marble : hy Hiram Powers. 1862, $10,000. 
Against the E. wall, over the first landing, is the painting of 
Peri-y's Victory over the British on Lake Erie : by Powell, of 
Ohio. 1873, cost $25,000. The painting represents the Com- 
modore transferring his flag from the Lawrence, which had 
been disabled, to another ship. A new movement compelled 
the enemy to surrender. The best view of this painting is 
from the balustrade at the top of the staircase. A double 
stairway, which unites at the first landing below, leads be- 
neath the arched support and massive blocking of the upper 
staircase to the basement. A beautiful stained-glass window,. 
at the head of the second descent, admits light. At the foot 
of these steps is the Senate Refectory. The best general view 



SENATE EXTENSION, 93 

of the E. staircase may be had from the laiiclhig of the steps 
leadhig to the basement. 

The W. door in the N. wall of the vestibule opens into the 
Senate Reception Room, a brilliant salon about 60 ft. long, 
with a vaulted ceiling divided into two arches, that on the jS^. 
being groined, and is divided into four sections, in which are 
allegorical figures in fresco: N., Liberty; S., Plenty; W., 
War; E., Peace. The S. half of the ceiling consists of a cir- 
cular arch, broken by deep caissons, arranged in concentric 
circles. The fresco in the centre represents youthful figures 
in a vignette of clouds. Outside the circle are allegorical fig- 
ures in fresco : NE., Prudence; SE., Justice; SW., Temper- 
ance; NW., Strength. All these frescoes were executed by 
Brumidi, in 1856. The ceiling is heavily gilded througliout, 
and from it is suspended a fine chandelier. The walls are 
finislied in tint, and enriched with stucco and gilt. They are 
divided into five panels, with medallion centres for portraits 
of illustrious citizens. Each medallion is surrounded by 
wreaths, and is surmounted by an eagle. The base of the 
walls is scagliola, in imitation of Potomac and Tennessee 
marbles. Under the arch in the S. wall is a well-executed 
centre-piece in oil, by Brumidi, representing Washington in 
consultation with Jefferson, his Secretary of State, and Ham- 
ilton, Secretary of the Treasury. On either side is a medal- 
lion yet unfilled. In the IST. wall of this magnificent apart- 
ment, between the window^s, is a mirror. The floor is of 
encaustic tiles, finely laid, and with a beautifully-wrought 
star as a centre-piece. The room is furnished in rosewood, 
with damask and lace curtains. In winter the floor is richly 
carpeted. 

On the E. a door opens into the Senate Post Office^ ele- 
gantly fitted with cases and other conveniences for the recep- 
tion and distribution of the Senate mails. This room was 
originally intended for the Library of the Senate, and was 
decorated with that view. The vaulted ceiling is embellished 
with frescoes by Brumidi, the principal pieces representing 
History, Geography, Physics, and the Telegraph. Three 
allegorical figures support a tasteful centre-piece, from which 
drops a chandelier. The walls are finished in oil and gilt. 
Adjoining, on the !N"., is the Boom of the Sergeani-at-Arms of 
the Senate. On the walls under the arches are four allegorical 
designs in basso relievo : that on the E. representing Dissolu- 
tion or Secession, illustrated in the breaking of the fasces or 
bundle of rods, while on the one side lies cotton, and on the 
other corn, the rival products of the opposing sections of the 
countrj^ On the S. is the same figure as War, with the en- 
gines of strife. On the W. the bundle of rods are again 



94 SENATE EXTEN8I0N. 

tmitecl, with the motto E Plurihus Unum and ea^ie. On the 
X. tlie implements of war are being destroyed and exchanged 
for peace. Tlie centre-piece of the ceiling- represents lie- 
construction. The W. door of the reception-room opens into 
the vestibule of the Senate lobby. On tlie 1., descending 
to the basement, is 2k private staircase^ with a bronze railing, 
formed of entwining vines and foliage, relieved with eagles, 
deer, and cupids. A similar staircase occupies a correspond- 
ing place on the W. side of tlie lobby. These, including two 
connecting witli the lobby of the Hall of the Kepresentatives 
in the S. Extension cost nearly $22,500. They are elaborate 
and artistic specimens of bronze-worlv, and in a part of the 
building too dark to enable tlieir merits to be fully appre- 
ciated. They were manufactured by Archer, Warner & 
Misliey, of Philadelphia. 

During the sessions of the Senate admission to the Senate 
lobby can only be obtained through a Senator. This, how- 
ever, is not in strict accordance with the rules of the body. 
When the Senate is not in session the lobby is open to the 
public. The lobby is a vaulted passage, with gilt panels and 
cornice. A chandelier maizes up the deficiency of daylight. 
On the 1. are two doors, leading to the floor of the Senate 
Chamber. The first door on the r. opens into the room as- 
signed to the President of the Senate, generally known as 
the Vice Presidenfs Room. It is a well-furnished apartment, 
with plain stuccoed ceilings and tinted walls. In this room 
is the original of Rembrandt PeaWs painting of Washington^ 
purchased by the Senate. Permission to enter may be ob- 
tained from the President of the Senate. Wlien not in use, 
visitors may be admitted through the courtesy of the Ser- 
geant-at-Arms or one of the doorkeepers. 

The second door on the r. of the lobbj' leads through a small 
passage or vestibule into the Marble or Senate Retiring Room. 
This elegant apartment is 38 ft. long, 21 J ft. wide, and 19ift. 
high. Tlie ceiling rests upon 4 Corinthian columns of Italian 
marble, and consists of massive polished blocks of white mar- 
ble, forming deep panels. The walls throughout are of higlily- 
polished Tennessee marble. In the panels of the walls are 
large plate-glass mirrors. Those at the ends produce a striking 
eftect. In the E. and W. walls are niches. Two of these 
contain heads of Indian chiefs, executed in marble. The floors 
are of encaustic tiles. The room is handsomely furnished, 
and, witliout question, is the finest apartment of the kind in 
tlie world. There is a fine view of the j^. portions of the city 
from the windows. In front is ^. Capitol St., and the diverg- 
ent avs. are Delaware, inclining tow^ards the E., and N'ew 
Jersey, towards the AV. 



SENATE EXTENSION. 95 

Leaving the room by the W. door, we again enter the Sen- 
ate lobby. Passing out of this into the vestibule, on the 1. is 
the W. private staircase to tlie basement, the same as the one 
already described at tlie E. end of the lobby. On tlie r. is the 
Fj'esideiif s Boom, assigned to tlie nse of tlie President of the 
United States on his visits to the Capitol. This room is rarely 
used except on the last days of the session of Congress, when 
the President, with his secretaries and Cabinet ministers, as- 
semble there to expedite the business of legislation, the Pres- 
ident signing such biJ Is passed by the Senate and House of 
Representatives as meet his approval. 

The walls and ceiling of this room are richly and appropri- 
ately decorated. On tJie S. ,wall, under the arch of the ceil- 
ing, is a portrait of Washington — a copy from Rembrandt 
Peale's — with a reclining female figure on either side : that on 
the r. representing Victory, who holds a shield, bearing the 
inscription, Boston, Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth, and 
Yorktown. The figure on the 1. Peace, with a laurel wreath. 
On the four walls are medallion portraits of Washington's 
first Cabinet: S., Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State; E.^ 
Henry Knox, Secretary of War, and Alexander Hamilton, 
Secretary of the Treasm-y ; W., Edmund Randolph, Attorney 
General, and S. Osgood, Postmaster General. Under the 
cornice are a nunber of small copper-colored medallions, rep- 
resenting the coats of arms of the States. The rest of the 
walls are artistically decorated in arabesques. Overhead are 
four corner-pieces in fresco : the fii'st of Columbus, with a 
globe and early instruments of navigation, representing Dis- 
covery ; likeness from a portrait in Mexico. Diagonally oppo- 
site, Americus Vespuccius, with charts and telescope, Explo- 
ration, from a painting in Florence. William Brewster, with 
an open Bible, representing Religion; and diagonally opposite, 
Benjamin Franklin, witirmanuscript and printing-press, or 
History. Four medallion pieces between tliese represent 
Religion, Liberty, Legislation, and Executive. The medal- 
lion from wliich the chandelier is suspended is enriched with 
three infant figures, supporting an American flag. The ceilings 
are further embellished. The entire decoration is byBrumidi. 
The room is the most richly decorated in the United States. 
The floors are beautifully tiled. There are three large mir- 
rors in the walls. In winter the room is richlj^ carpeted and 
furnished. 

At the end of the corridor continuing W. from the lobby is 
a screw elevator, beautifully designed and luxuriously f m-nish- 
ed, for the use of Senators. It runs from the basement to the 
cori-idors of the second floor, and is fitted up with a double 
engine : cost $10,000. Ttmiiug to the 1^, after leaving the 



96 SENATE EXTENSION. 

W. vestibule of the corridor, the rooms on the r. are occupied 
by the Secretary of tlie Senate and the various clerks of the 
body. 

On the same side is the W, Staircase., in -white marble. 
The design is the same as the E. one, already described, and 
leads directly to the gentlemen's and reporters' galleries. 
The view of this staircase, looking upwards from the first 
landing of the steps leading to the basement, is supremely 
beautiful. The highly-polished white-marble blockings, en- 
tablatures, steps, balustrades, and columns, with their exquis- 
itelj'^-wrought capitals, of the same material, strike the eye 
with the magnificence of its architectural design and execu- 
tion. The light thrown in from above adds to the charm of 
the scene which greets the vision. The sombre hue of the 
Tennessee marble employed in the E. staircase, though pre- 
senting a richer appearance, does not eftectively bring out 
the beauties of workmanship bestowed upon tliese stnking 
features of the interior fitting of the Capitol Extensions. 

Opposite the foot of the staircase, in a niche, on the main 
floor, is the statue of John Hancock, Pre,=ident of the Conti- 
nental Congress which signed and promulgated the Declara- 
tion of Independence, 1776. The statue is semi-heroic ; exe- 
cuted in 1860, in marlDle, by Horatio Stone ; cost $5,500. 

At the head of the first flight of steps against the ^Y. Avail 
is the Stoiming of Chapidtepec, by Walker, IST. Y. Ordered 
In 1861, cost $6,000. This painting was originally intended 
for the room of the Committee on Military Affairs. It rep- 
resents the storming of the castle of ChapulteiDcc, Sept. 13, 
1847, by the American army, under Gen. Scott. The castle, 
one of the defenses of the city of Mexico, croAvned an emi- 
nence 900 ft. high, and was taken b}^ means of scaling-lad- 
ders. The particular moment of the conflict is the consulta- 
tion between Gen. Quitman and several of the officers of the 
advance division. The batteries at the foot of the hill were 
taken, and the approach to the city by the aqueduct lay open. 
The hill-side is already occupied by the United States rifles.' 
Oen. Quitman, mounted, appears on the 1. of the painting. 
•Gen. Shields is without his coat, and wounded. Near at hand 
are Lieuts. WUcox and Towers, of the engineers. On the 1. 
stands a section of Drum's battery. In the rear, advancing 
to the support of Casey's troops, are the Pennsylvania, Xew 
York, and South Carolina volunteers, bearing their State 
colors, and commanded by Geary, Baxter, and Gladden. 
Xicontenca, the Mexican commander, is Idlled. Gen. Per- 
sifor F. Smith, with the rifles, confronts tlie enemy's breast- 
w^orks, and points to the retreating Mexicans, who are fleeing 
by the aqueduct. The filling of the picture represents ofli- 



THE GALLERIES. 97 

cers liuriyinj^ to andfi-o, a few Mexican soldiers surrendering, 
and wounded and slain strewn around. An aloe is cliarac- 
teristic of the vegetation of the country. The artist was 
pursuing his profession in Mexico when the war brolce out, 
but escaped to the American lines, and joined the army as an 
interpreter, returning in 1848 to the United States. 

The S. corridor corresponds with the lobby on the N". 
side of the Chamber, and is intersected by the connecting 
range between tlie Senate Extension and the main building. 
In this corridor, opposite the S. entrance to the Senate Cham- 
ber, stands an old cloclv, long in use by the body, but with 
no special historic associations. The deep windows on the 
N. side of the corridor, opening into the Senate cloak rooms, 
are arranged for statuary. In the recess of the E. one of 
this line stands a bust of Chief Justice R. B. Taney, of Md., 
1836-1864, by Stone. With the exception of the E. vestibule, 
which is marble, the floors throughout are paved with en- 
caustic tile of elegant design. 

The Galleries. — The second floor of the Senate Extension is 
occupied by corridors, the inner sides of which are pierced 
with 12 doors, leading into the Senate Galleries,, and the 
outer sides bounded on the E. and W. by committee rooms, 
and the N". by retiring room^ for ladies in the E. end, and 
representatives of the press in the W. On the S. is the con- 
necting range, occupied by the Senate do«ument room. On 
either side of this are windows, which look out upon the 
main building. These corridors are reached by the E. and 
W. staircases, already described. The walls are of a simple 
tint, with variations of stucco. The ceilings are vaulted, 
and are enlivened with stucco work of various designs, blended 
with symbolic figm-es. Over the main E. vestibule is a spa- 
cious hall, surmounted by a beautiful arch, in the centre of 
which is a skylight. Adjoining this, and over the Senate 
reception room, in the NE. part of the Extension, is another 
hall of similar design. Both lead into the ladies' galleries. 
The second also opens into the ladies'* retiring room — a hand- 
somely-furnished apartment, fitted up with two Tennessee 
marble mantels, with mirrors and every convenience. Like the 
first floor, the second is paved with encaustic tiles throughout. 

With this preliminary knowledge of the varied attractions 
in art and architecture of the N". Extension of the Capitol, 
before visiting the basement the visitor should step into the 
gallery, and at his leisure study the wonders and beauties of 
the Hall of the Senators. The accompanying diagram of 
desks will enable him, during the session of the body, to 
place any of the Senators. 
7 




[ILLS STATUE OF JACKSON. (See page 34) (9S) 



SENATE CHAMBER. 99 

Hall of the Senators, or Senate Chamber. — This mag-nificent 
apartment occupies the centre of the prhicipal floor of the N". 
Extension. It has an entrance for Senators from corridors 
on the E ., S., and W., and two from the lobby on the IST. The 
occupation of this Cliamber, devoted to the deliberations of 
the hig-hest branch of the legislative arm of the Government, 
took place on Jan. 4, 1859. It is in the form of a parallelo- 
gram of the following dimensions : Length, 113J ft. ; width, 
80| ft. ; height, 36 ft. ; superficial area of floor, 9,136 sq. ft. ; 
cubic contends, 328,536 cuId. ft. The dimensions of tlie floor 
of the Chamber, exclusive of tlie cloak rooms and lobbv, are 
83 ft. long and 51 ft. wide. On the E., W., and S. sides of 
the Chamber are the cloak rooms of Senators, and on the IS". 
the Senate lobby. Over these and around the Chamber are 
the galleries^ the seats rising and receding in tiers, till 
brought to a level with the corridors of the second lioor, 
\\iiich are reached by two marble staircases. The portion 
of the I^. Gallery over the back of the chair of the President 
o'f the Senate is devoted to reporters of the press, local and 
general, being provided with about 40 desks, and seats for 
as many more. Directly opposite the reporters, in the S. 
Galleiy, a number of seats are set apart for the diplomatic 
representatives. The galleries, from the reporters' to the 
diplomatic, on the S. side, are devoted exclusively to ladies, 
and gentlemen accompanying them ; a portion for the exclu- 
sive use of the families of Senators. The coiresponding 
galleries on the W. are for gentlemen. The galleries will 
seat 1,200 persons. In the rear of the S., E., and W. Gal- 
leries are the communicating corridors. At the E. end of 
the IST. corridor is the ladies'' i^etiring room — a luxurious 
apartment, complete in all its appointments, communicat- 
ing witli tlie ladies' galleries, and attended by a matron em- 
ployed by the Senate. In the rear of the reporters' gallery 
is the reporters' hat and retiring room and telegraph office. 
This is reached through a door connecting with the W. cor- 
ridor. These corridors form the second floor of the N . wing. 
The entrances to the galleries, during the sessions of Con- 
gress, are guarded by doorlvcepers, whose duty it is to seat 
the people and to preserve order. 

On thQ floor of the Chamber are seats for 74 Senators. The 
aisles diverge from the President's "desk" lilve radii, from a 
centre. The desks are arranged in concentric semi-circles 
facing the IS". The desks are made of the finest quality of 
mahogany, and the majority were in use in the old Senate 
Chamber. These were made a half century ago. 
"The' President's desk occupies a raised platform or dais. 



100 BASEMENT. 

At his back is a deep niche, and in front a broad desk, upon 
which lies the gavel when the body is in session. Immedi- 
ately below, on either side, are the seats of the Sergeant-at- 
Arms r., and Doorkeeper 1. At the desk in front, com- 
mencing on the 1., are the seats of the Secretary of the Senate, 
Legislative Clerk, Chief Clerk, and Minute Clerk, in the order 
given. The two seats on the floor in front and at either end 
are for the official reporters. These desks are of mahogany, 
in keeping with the rest of the furniture of tlie Hall. 

The floor is raised about 3 in. for each receding semi-circle 
of desks, and is pierced by numerous double ventilators, reg- 
ulated with the feet, under each Senator's desk. These ven- 
tilators are fed from an air-chamber or reservoir beneath the 
floor, and supplied by fans and steam-coils in the basement 
with moistened air tempered from 68° to 70° winter, and from 
8° to 10° below the outside air in summer, and regulated by 
thermometers and hygrometers in difterent parts of the 
chamber ; these are examined at regular and brief intervals 
by the chief of the ventilating department. The contam- 
inated air passes through the trellis work of the outer range 
of panels in the ceiling and through spaces provided in the 
centre panels. A current of air from the ventilators below 
to those above is constantly passing through the Chamber. 
(See Ventilating DepaHment.) 

The ceiling is a splendid specimen of taste and skill. It 
consists of immense cast-iron girders and transverse pieces, 
forming deep panels, 21 of which are glazed, each with a 
:jentre-piece symbolic of the Union, the Ai*my, and !N"avy, 
Progress, and the Mechanical Arts. In addition to these, 
there is an outer row of 24 panels, with trellised centre for 
ventilation, and outside of all a row of deep caissons and 
circles, with a star in each. The entire frame rests on a 
heavy iron cornice. The iron work throughout is bronzed, 
with gilt decorations. The walls are richly painted, those 
supporting the galleries being laid off in panels. The walls 
back of the galleries are pierced by doors on each side. The 
doors are of bird's-eye maple, elaborately finished with foli- 
ated bronze ornaments. Niches for statuary are also sunk 
in the walls. The iron work was done by Janes, Beebe & Co. 

The hall by day is lighted through the paneled ceiling by 
means of the skylight in the roof. At night innumerable 
jets ranged above the ceiling around the glass panels, and 
supplied with gas and ignited by electricity, diffuse a soft 
light throughout the Chamber. 

Basement.— The basement of the Senate Extension is reach- 
ed by the steps beneath the E. and W. staircase. There are 



1 



COMMITTEE ROOMS. 101 

two entrances from the outside, on the E. and N"., and a cor- 
ridor leadino^ the entire length of the building ]S^. and S., 
with entrances at either end. The basement entrance has a 
double approach consisting of a vaulted carriageway and 
massive arcaded passage ior pedestrians, both beneath the E. 
Portico. The door opens into a vestibule^ in which are eight 
immense marble piers, fom* on each side, with corresponding 
pilasters. These piers support the colonnade of the main 
vestibule, and afford, perhaps, the most striking example of 
the durability and strength of the edifice. Under the arclies 
of the ceiling is rich and appropriate decoration. The walls 
are of scagliola. A colossal bust of Washington, by Beattie, 
is here. It is not the property of the Government. At the 
W. end of this vestibule are two doors, the one on tlie N". 
leading into a broad corridor, and on the S. to the basement 
foot of the E. staircase, also to the Senate Kefectory, and the 
smaU door on 1. to the folding rooms and vaults in the sub- 
basement. The corridors of the basement present an inter- 
esting exhibition of the decorative art. The vaulted ceilings 
throughout are in distemper, and all below the spring of the 
arches in oil. The walls are paneled in the style of the 15th 
century, as employed in the Vatican at Kome, with centre 
medallions of illustrious Americans. The name of the per- 
son is also given. The ceilings are in the same style, with 
introductions of modern inventions. The decorations of the 
pilasters of all the corridors are recollections of the loggia of 
Raphael in the Vatican, with additions from the natural 
history of America. The birds, animals, and reptiles are 
studies from the collection in the Museum in the Smithsonian 
Institution. They were drawn by Brumidi, and painted by 
Leslie. The decoration of the basement commenced in 1855. 
The medallions and finer parts of the decoration are by Bru- 
midi, while the details are the workmanship of others. Op- 
posite the E. end of the InT. corridor is a fine fresco of JRobert 
Fulton^ the first to apply steam to the purposes of navigation. 
The likeness is from a portrait painted by Fulton himself, and 
now in the office of the Commissioner of Patents. The ceil- 
ing of the N. end of the W. corridor is embellished with the 
12 signs of the Zodiac. There are also several beautifully- 
finished landscapes, representing Day and Night. 

Committee Kooms.— The finest apartments for the uses of 
the committees of the Senate are in the basement. They are 
not generally open to the public, though, when not officially 
occupied, there is no difficulty in getting a view of them, 
through a Senator, the Sergeant-at-Arms, or clerk of the 
committee. A rap at the door is frequently sufficient. Dur- 



102 COMMITTEE ROOMS. 

ing the adjourninent, or a recess of the Senate, the Sergeant- 
at-Arms, whose office is in the NE . corner of the building, 
main floor, and wlio has possession of tlie Iveys, will afford 
visitors an opportunitj^ to see these rooms. The most inter- 
esting to visitors are the — 

Eoom of the Committee on Military Affairs — W. side of W. 
corridor, jST. of W. staircase ; name over the door. Ceilings 
frescoed with victors' wreaths, shields, and other emblems of 
war. Panels of walls and pilasters represent arms and armor 
of diffei-ent periods, nations, and races, ancient and modern. 
The pilasters were painted by Leslie. The sword across the 
shield in the centre pilaster is a copy of the sword of Wash- 
ington. On the W. wall is a medallion head of Liberty, sur- 
rounded by flags and weapons of war. Under the spring of 
tlie arches are 5 historic subjects, in fresco, by Brumidi : N"., 
Boston Massacre, 1770. S., Battle of Lexington, 1775. IST., 
Death of Wooster, during the British invasion of Connecti- 
cut, 1777. S., Washington at Valley Forge, 1778. The three 
prominent flgures in the foreground are Washington, with 
Lafayette on his 1. and Gen. Green on r. E., Storming of 
Stony Point by Anthony Wayne, 1779. Wayne, wounded, 
is being carried into the fort. 

Room of the Committee on Naval Affairs^ adjoining the 
above on the N., name over the door. The general design of 
the decorations is Pompeian. The principal features of the 
ceilings are fresco representations of marine gods and god- 
desses and the figure of an attractive Indian female. Under 
the spring of the arches are representations of ancient porti- 
cos witli antique vessels. The walls, painted in oil, are divided 
into nine panels, with blue background and figures represent- 
ing the attributes of the navy as centre-pieces; the entire 
room executed by Brumidi. The pilasters are scagliola, by 
French artists. 

The Room of the Indian Committee^ on the E. side, at the S. 
end of the same corridor, and originally intended for the use 
of the Committee on Agriculture, is decorated with American 
vines and fruits. The fohage is specially well executed. The 
ceiling is distemper and the walls oil ; executed by Castens, 
a German. At the E. end of the iST. corridor, on the 1., is the 
Room of the Committee on Foreign Relations. On the ceiling, 
in distemper, are four well-executed eagles, and under the 
arches, in oil, four medallions, containing profiles of chairmen 
of the committee : Claj^ oST., Allen S., Cameron E., Sumner W. 
The medallions are by Brumidi, and the rest of the room by 
• Castens. The Judiciary Committee Room, on the same corridor, 
and that on the Library^ are also beautifully finished. Under 
the arches of the basement, connecting range, are medallions 



OFFICIAL TELEGRAPH. 103 

of Patrick Hemy, Jefferson, and Madison, E. side ; and Han- 
cock, J. Q. Adams, and Henry Laurens, W. side. 

All the committee rooms in this Extension are richh^ fur- 
nished. The name of the committee is on or over the door 
of each. The inner rooms are devoted to the storage of pub- 
lic documents. At the W. end of N. corridor is the elevator. 

Heating and Ventilating. — The Senate heatinc/ and venti- 
lating apparatus occuj)ies a number of vaults in tlie sub-baser 
nient of the SW. portion of the Senate Extension. It is always 
open to visitors, and may be reached through the first door in 
the jS". wall of the passage leading W., at the basement foot 
of the W. staircase, S. si'de. There are 4 fans : 2 for air and 
2 exhaust ; 4 boilers, 3 engines, 2 steam-pumps, 1 for attic 
tank and 1 for boilers; 18 miles of steam-pipes in the entire 
Extension ; 1 vaporizer, 2 descending shafts from the loft of 
the Senate Chamber, and 1 ascending shaft into the open air, 
the outlet at the base of the Dome. The principal air-sliaft 
enters from the glacis of the first terrace in tlie W. Park, 220 
ft. from the building, the air being drawn in by a fan, and 
forced through a main air-duct into the air-space under the 
floor of the Senate, and thence into the Chamber by means 
of registers. A branch air-duct communicates with the gal- 
leries. The supply of fresh air is 30,000, and exhaust 40,000 
cubic ft. a minute. The original apparatus was designed by 
Capt. M. C. Meigs, and the exhaust and other improvements 
by H. F. Hayden, Chief EngineerU. S. Senate. The engineer 
in charge will explain the principle. While here it would be 
interesting to inspect the foundation walls of the building. 
Also inquire for the entrance to the pneumatic tube on the 
N. side, and designed to connect the Capitol and the Gov- 
ernment Printing Office, and for the elevator engine. 

Official Telegraph — In the hall, at the E. end of the N". 
corrider of the basement, is the ofiice of the Government 
Telegraph line, connecting the Capitol with the Executive 
Departments and Government Printing Ofiice. The wires 
leave the building and cross the Capitol Grounds by. a subter- 
ranean cable, ancl thence on poles along IST. Capitol st. to the 
Government Printing Office ; thence along G St. K. to the 
Interior, Post Office, and Treasury Departments and Attor- 
ney General's Office. From the Treasury Department they 
pass over the White House to the War and ISTavy Depart- 
ments, and b.y a single wire to the State Depai-tment, via 
17th St. W., Vermont av., and 14th st. JM". It is proposed. to 
extend them to embrace all the isolated Bureaus, Navy-yard, 
and Arsenal. The line was constructed in 1873, by G. C. 
Maynard, under authority of an act of Congi-ess. From the 



104 THE UNDERCROFT. 

Senate Extension the wires are conveyed under the arches of 
the sub-basement of the building to the House office. 

N. Wing Basement.— Instead of returning to the main 
floor, tlie visitor should follow the central corridor towards 
the S. In the main building on the r. are the Senate bath- 
rooms. On the 1. of the arched substruction of the elliptical 
vestibule is a passage into a vestibule, from which the door 
on the 1. enters the Law I-iibrary. The staircase leads to the 
vestibule IsT. of the Rotunda, on the main floor. 

Law Library. — This apartment is semi-circular, with an 
arched recess towards the W., and a colonnade recess on the 
E., back of which are the only windows. An arcade passage 
runs aroimd the sweep of the circle, supporting a domical 
ceiling of masonry, resting on heavy Doric columns, covering 
the entire room. * The ceiling is groined upon the surround- 
ing arches. In the tympanum of the W. arch, in the recess, 
is a plaster relief, by Franzoni, representing a figure of Jus- 
tice, and by her side Fame, crowned with a rising sun and 
pointing to the Constitution of the United States. The col- 
umns and piers of the arches of this room are heavy Doric. 
Some alterations were made on the original design of this 
room, owing to the fall of tlie vaulted ceiling, the result of 
defective construction. This led to the introduction of the 
columns, which have added greatly to tlie appearance of 
solidity, and has materially strengthened that part of the 
.building. The alcoves for the books are arranged on the W. 
Returning to the corridor and continuing S. we enter 

The Orypt. — This inter^esting part of the basement of the 
Capitol may also be entered beneath the central Portico or 
W. door of basement. The Crypt presents a circular space, 
consisting of a treble colonnade, containing 40 Doric columns 
of the proportions of those of the Temple of Paestum, sur- 
mounted by gi'oined arclies running in radii direction, and 
supporting the floor of the Rotunda. The star in the pave- 
ment under the central arch denotes the exact center of the 
Capitol. 

The Undercroft.— Beneath the Crypt is the Undercroft, or 
vault, originally designed for the sarcophagus containing the 
remains of Washington. The key is in the room on r. of 
1. corridor, at the foot of the steps descending from the W. 
door of the Crypt. An attach^ of tlie office will lead the 
way. The Undercroft is cruciform and arched. The square 
portion is 10 ft. In the centre of the crowning arch is a star, 
not distinguisliable, however, which marks the exact centre 
of the immense pile above. In the vault is portion of the 



NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. 105 

bier on which the remains of President Lincohi, Thaddeus 
Stevens, and Chief Justice Chase lay in state. 

Upon learning of the death of Washin^on, Congress, 
Dec. 24, 1799, passed resolutions appropriate to the sad 
event, and provided that a marble monument should be 
erected by the United States in the Capitol at Washington. 
The President was authorized to request the wife of the de- 
parted patriot to permit his body to be deposited under it. 
The monument was to be so "designed as to commemorate 
the great events of his military and political life." In re- 
sponse to the letter of the President, Mrs. Washington thus 
trans mitted her assent : 

"Taught by the great example I have so long had before 
me, never to oppose my private wishes to the public will, I 
must consent to the request of Congress, which you had the 
goodness to transmit to me ; and in doing this I need not — 
I cannot — say what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to 
a sense of public duty." 

The wish of Congress was not carried out, and a subse- 
quent request of the same character, in connection with the 
National Monument, was declined. 

Retm-ning to the Crypt, it would be well to take a view of 
the substruction of the central Portico from the W. door. 
Leaving the Crypt by the S. door, the visitor enters a small 
octagonal vestibule, beyond which are document and folding 
rooms. The door to the 1. leads into another vestibule, of 
beautiful design, containing a stairway, into a circular vesti- 
bule on the main floor, communicating l!^. with the S. door 
of the Eotunda, and S. with the National Statuary Hall. 
This vestibule is crowned by a dome and cupola, and resem- 
bles a Creek temple. The capitals of the columns are orna- 
mented with the leaf of the cotton plant, instead of the acan- 
thus. This vestibule corresponds with that on the N. side. 
It is suggested that the visitor here ascends to the main floor, 
and turning to the 1. or S. enters the 

Kational Statuary Hall. — The National Statuary Hall, for- 
merly used as the place of meeting of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, is Grecian in design, having been planned and 
adapted, by Latrobe, after the remains of the Theatre at Ath- 
ens. It consists of a semi-circle of 96 ft. chord. The ends 
of the prostjde and peristyle are separated by a wide project- 
ing surface of freestone, which rises to the top of the order 
and supports a segment arch, which corresponds with the 
segment of the vaulted ceiling that crowns the hall and ends 
against it. To the top of the entablature blocking is 35 ft., 
and to the apex of the domed ceiling 57 ft. The semi-peri- 



106 NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. 

style or circular colonnade on the ^N". is composed of 14 col- 
umns and 2 ante'©, of the Corinthian order ; the shafts of solid 
blocks of variegated marble or breccia, quarried from the 
banks of the Potomac, above the city. The bases are free- 
stone. The capitals are of Carrara marble, executed in Italy, 
and designed after those in the Temple of Jupiter Stator at 
Eome — Iladlield says after the capitals of the Lantern of De- 
mos at Athens. The entablature is of the proportions used 
in the former temple, ornamented with dentils and modil- 
lons, enriched with leaves and roses. The floor is of marble. 
A paneled dome springs overhead. The apex of the dome 
is piercad by a circular aperture, crowned by a lantern, serv- 
ing the doable purpose of light and ventilation. The dome 
is similar to that of the Pan'theon at Rome. On the S. side 
of the hall, forming the loggia, are 8 columns and 2 antas of 
the same style as the peristyle. Over the entablature of this 
colonnade springs a beautiful 72 ft. chord. On the blocking- 
of the cornice beneatli is a figure of Liberty^ in plaster, by 
Caucici, 1829, originally intended for execution in marble ► 
The figure, seen from the gallaries in front, produces a strik- 
ing effect, and is. in every respect worthy of the pupil of the- 
great Canova. On the r. is the frustum of a column, around 
which a serpent, the emblem of wisdom, is entwining itself, 
and at the feet of the figure is an American eagle. In the 
frieze of the entablature, under this figure, is sculptured an 
eagle in stone, with outspread wings, the w^ork of Valaperti, 
and of very superior merit. The gallery over the loggia was 
set apart for the ladies, having cushioned seats for the accom- 
modation of 200 persons : the general gallery would seat 500. 
Over the K. door stands an exquisitely designed and beauti- 
fully executed dock in marble, by Chas. Franzoni, 1819. His- 
torj', her drapery floating in tlie air, is represented as standing 
in the winged car of Time and recording passing events. The 
car is placed on a globe, on which, in basso relievo^ are cut 
the signs of tlie zodiac. The hours are marked on the face of 
the wheel of the car. 

In July, 1864, a paragi-aph in an appropriation bill passed 
by Congress authorized tlie President of the United States 
to invite each and all the States to furnish statues, in marble 
or bronze, not exceeding two in number for eacli State, of 
deceased persons who have been citizens thereof and illustri- 
ous for their historic renown, or for distinguished civic or mili- 
tary service, as the States determine, worthy of this national 
commemoration, when so furnished to be placed in the old 
Hall of the House of Eepresentatives, in the Capitol of the 
United States, which is set apart for a National Statuary 
Hall. 



NATIONAL STATUARY HALL. 107 

It is to be regretted that so many years have ah-eady been 
permitted to pass with so small a recognition of the grandeur 
of this projected National Gallery. 

The l:^taie contributions in the order received are — 

Khode Island — Major General Nathaniel Greene^ a dis- ■ 
tiugiiished officer of the Revolution. Marble, by H. K. Brown, 
Ro'ger Williams, founder of Rhode Island and promoter of 
civil and religious liberty in America. Marble, by Simmons. 

Connecticut — Jonathan Trumbull, an eminent patriot of 
the Revolution. From him the term "Brother Jonathan," 
as applied to the United States, originated. Marble, by Ives. 
Roger Sherman, one of the committee to draft the Declara- 
tion of Independence and signer of the same, member of 
tlie Constitutional Convention, and a Senator of the United 
States. Marble, by Ives, 1870. 

JSTew Yokk— George Clinton, a statesman and officer of 
the Revolution, Governor of IS^ew York, Vice President of 
the United States 1805-1813. Bronze, by H. K. Brown, 1873. 
Edward Livingston, Secretary of State 1831-1833. ISTow being^ 
executed in Italy. Marble, by Palmer. \^.. 

The following contributions have been ordered : 

New Jersey — Ricliard Stockton, a signer of the Declara- 
tion of Independence, a Senator of the United States. Mar- 
ble, by H. K. Brown. Nearly ready. Major General PMij? 
Kearney, an officer of the Army of the United States. Killed 
in the rebellion of 1861-'65. Bronze, by H. K. Brown. 
Nearly ready. 

In addition to the State contributions, the Hall also con- 
contains a plaster copy of the statue of George Washington at 
Richmond, by Houdon, 1788, representing the Father of hi& 
Country in civil attire, with a staff in his hand, his cloak and 
sword resting on a bundle of rods, and with a rude plow in 
the rear. The original was ordered by the General Assembly 
of Va. A bust of Abraham Lincoln, marble, by Mrs. Ames, 
1868, $2,000, mounted on a beautiful pedestal of Aberdeen 
gi-anite, presented to the Fortieth Congress; a bust of T. 
Kosciusko, the Pole, in marble, by Saunders, 1857, $500; 
bust of Thomas Crawford, sculptor; the superb statue of 
Alexander Hamilton, in marble, by Horatio Stone, 1868, 
810,000; statue of Abraham Lincoln, bv Miss Ream, 1866, 
$15,000 ; II Penseroso, marble, Mozier, $2,000 ; and the statue 
of Thomas Jefferson signing the Declaration of Independence, 
bronze, by the celebrated David, of Angers, 1833, presented 
by Lieut. Uriah P. Levy, U. S. N., to his fellow-citizens, 
formally accepted by Congress 1874, when it was removed 
from the grounds of the President's House, and cleaned. 

The panel E. end of the prostyle is without ornament. In 



108 HOUSE EXTENSION. 

the opposite panel is a life-size portrait of Henry Clay^ by- 
John N'eagle, 1843, $500, and portraits of Charles Carroll of 
CarroUton, by Chester Harding ; one of Gunning Bedford^ 
a member of the Constitutional Convention from Delaware, 
presented; one of Joshua E. Giddings, by Miss Kansom, 
$1,000; and a mosaic of Abraham Lincoln, by Salviati, of 
Venice, a manufacturer. 

It is proposed also to fit up this Hall with upper and lower 
g-alleries, with panels and niches, the former to be occupied 
by portraits of Speakers of the House of Kepresentatives. 

When the Hall was occupied by the House, the Speaker's 
chair stood on the S. side, upon an open rostrum about four 
feet above the floor, enclosed by a bronze balustrade. Kich 
crimson curtains fell in elegant folds from the capitals of the 
columns, and were separated so as to form luxurious dra- 
peries as a background to the chair and rostrum. Below and 
in front of the Speaker's rostrum stood the Clerk's desk, 
raised on a variegated socle. Upon this stood a rich mahog- 
any table, with damask silk curtains. This platform was 
reached by steps on either side. Between the columns were 
sofas and accommodations for twenty reporters. 

The members' desks, of mahogany, with arm chairs, were 
arranged in concentric circles, the aisles forming radii from 
the centre. The Hall was arranged for 232 members. In the 
rear of the outer row of desks was a bronzed iron railing with 
curtains, constituting the bar of the House. Outside of this 
was the lobby. The panels on either side of the ladies' gal- 
lery contained full-length portraits of Washington by Van- 
derlyn, and Lafayette by Ary Schefi'er, a present from the 
distinguished Frenchman upon his last visit to the United 
States. These are now in the House of Kepresentatives. 
Under these were copies of the Declaration of Independence, 
in frames emblematically ornamented. At night the Hall was 
lighted by "solar gas" from a chandelier at the apex of the 
dome. This Hall was occupied by Congress for 32 years. 
During the first days of the Rebellion, 1861-'65, troops were 
quartered in it. In 1862 it was used as a hospital for the sick 
and wounded of the army ; and in 1864, by act of Congress, 
was set apart for its present appropriate purpose. 

South or " House " Extension. — The S. door of the National 
Statuary Hall opens into a broad corridor, which constitutes 
the beginning of the S. Extension of the Capitol, devoted en- 
tirely to the uses of the House of Representatives, the lower 
branch of the Congress of the United States. This portion 
of the building corresponds, in its general features, with the 
Senate Extension, the larger size of the Hall of the Repre- 



HOUSE EXTENSION. 109 

sentatives constituting the only difference. The E. staircase^ 
the same as the Senate, leads to the galleries for diplomatic 
representatives and families of members of Congress. At the 
foot, is the Statue of Jefferson., by Powers, 1863, $10,000, ex- 
ecuted in Italy, very superior. Opposite, over the first land- 
ing, is an equestrian portrait of General Winfield Scott., by 
Troye, (not owned by the Government,) painted for the Vir- 
ginia legislature, the rebellion breaking out before it was de- 
livered. The main entrance into the vestibule bej^ond will be 
fitted with a bronze door, the designs of which were prepared 
by Crawford, sculptor of the Senate door, previous to his 
death, and executed, in model, by Khinehart, $9,000, and are 
now stored in the building. 'The door will represent scenes 
in the life of Washington. The vestibule consists of 8 fluted 
columns in couples, with capitals enriched with acanthus, to- 
bacco, and corn leaves. In the walls are niches. On the 1. 
of the S. corridor is the Members'' Retiring Room., now used by 
the Official Reporters. The lobby beyond and the floor of the 
Hall are open to the public during a recess or adjournment. 
At other times a member of the House can pass visitors into 
the former. The rules of the House designate those privi- 
leged to the floor. The lobby has an iron-paneled ceiling, 
decorated in oil, after the stjde of the 15th century. On the 
r. the doors open into the Hall, and on the 1. is the Sergeant- 
at- Arms'' Room., in which the Mace is kept when the House of 
Representatives is not in session. The Speaker'' s Room., next 
on the 1., is entirely finished in iron, enriched with gilt. The 
furniture and fittings are extremely fine. On the walls are 
engravings or photographs of the Speakers. On the 1. of the 
W. corridor are the Offices of the House. On the same cor- 
ridor is the W. staircase., the same as on the E. At the foot 
is the head of Bee-she-kee, The BuffJalo, a Chippewa warrior 
from the sources of the Mississippi, from nature by F. Vin- 
centi, 1854; copied in bronze by Joseph Lassalle, 1858. Op- 
posite, over the first landing, is Westward Ho., a chromo-silica, 
by Emanuel Leutze, 1862, $20,000. The best view is from 
the balustrade at the top of the staircase. The painting rep- 
resents an emigrant train crossing the Eocky Mountains. The 
figures are excellent, and the face of nature in those high al- 
titudes is faithfully portrayed. A guide to these wild regions 
leads the way. The faces of the travel-worn emigrants beam 
with hope. In the distant valley in the rear is an emigrant 
camp. The snow-clad peaks and rugged rocks all appear in 
their wild sublimity. Above are the words "Westward the 
Course of Empire takes it way," and below is the "Golden 
Gate," the entrance to the harbor of San Francisco. The 
entire picture is surrounded by an appropriate border. In 



110 






HALL OP THE HOUSE. 

^ I IH I 1 |. 




-. ^t 



112 HALL OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

that on the X. is a portrait of Daniel Boone, and below the 
words — 

" The spirit grows with its allotted space, 
The mind is narrowed in a narrow sphere." 

Opposite is a portrait of Capt. William Clarke, and beneath 
the words — 

" No pent-up Utica contracts our powers. 
But the whole boundless continent is ours." 

Second Floor. — The visitor has now reached the second 
stor3% or gallery floor. The cori'idors on the W., where he 
stands, and on the IST. and E., are open to the public. That 
on the S. is devoted to the Press Telegraph Offices^ and Re- 
porters Retiring Room in the W. half, and Ladies'' Retiring 
Room on the E. The latter is reached by the N. and E. cor- 
ridors, the entrance being at the S. end of the latter, right- 
hand side. The House Document Library, containing about 
60,000 vols., is on the X. corridor centre, ^. side. Commit- 
tee rooms open from the outside upon the E. and W. corri- 
dors. The corridors are neatly but plainly finished, in stucco 
ornamentations, on tinted and plain background. 

Galleries. — The galleries entered from the W. doors are 
for ladies or gentlemen accompanied by ladies ; on the N". 
for gentlemen; on E. families of members and diplomatic 
representatives and ladies; and on the S., in centre, mem- 
bers of the press and ladies on either side. The entrances 
to all these galleries, during the sessions of Congress, are 
guarded by doorkeepers, whose duty it is to seat the people, 
and to see that proper decorum is observed. 

The Hall of tbe Eepresentatives— or the "House of Rep- 
resentatives," occupies the centre of the main floor of the S, 
Extension of the Capitol. The dimensions of this superb 
legislative hall, the finest in the world, are : length, 139 ft. ; 
width, 93 ft. ; height, 36 ft. The measurement of the floor 
is 115 ft. by 67 ft. The form of the hall is a parallelogram, 
with a range of galleries on the four sides, and capable of 
seating about 2,500 persons. Beneath these galleries, against 
the N., E., and W. walls, are cloak and retiring rooms. 
Under the galleries, over the back of the Speaker's chair, is 
the lobby. 

Upon the floor of the Hall are oak desks for 302 members 
and delegates, arranged in 7 concentric semi-circles, facing 
the S. The aisles diverge from the Speaker's "desk." The 
latter is raised about 3 ft. from the floor. In front are desks 
for the clerks of the House, and still in front desks for the 
official reporters. These are made of white marble, with a 



BASEMENT. 113 

base of Tennessee, and are extremely beautifal. The clock 
marks the morning hour and limit of debate. E. of the 
Speaker is a circular pedestal of Vermont marble, upon which 
the mace or insignia of authority is placed when the House is 
in session. When not in use, this may be seen in the room of 
the Sergeant-at-Arms in the SE. end of the lobby. It con- 
sists of a bundle of lictor's rods, bound togetlier by silver liga- 
tures, and surmounted by a silver terrestial globe, crowned by 
the American eagle. Against the wall on the same side is a 
full-length portrait of Washington, by Yanderlyn, 1834, and 
in tlie corresponding position on the W. a similar portrait of 
the Marquis de Lafayette, by Ary SchefFer,1822, the celebrated 
French artist. The latter was presented to Congress by La- 
fayette upon his last visit to tlie United States. In the W. 
panel of the S. wall, under the gallery, is a fresco by Bru- 
midi, representing Washington at Yorktown receiving the 
officer sent by Cornwallis to ask a two days' cessation of lios- 
tilities, and in place of which two hours were granted. The 
fresco was necessarily finished in great haste. The location 
is also unsuitable. Over the N". door is a clock, surmounted 
by an eagle, and supported on either side by figures of an In- 
dian and hunter. 

The ceiling of the Hall is of cast iron, paneled, and highly 
enriched with gilt moldings, and supported on a decorated 
cornice. There are 45 panels, filled with glass of appropriate 
design, 37 with stained centre pieces, representing the coats 
of arms of the States. There are two outer rows of panels, 
that nearest the walls consisting of open work with massive 
pendants in the centre. The iron frame-work of the panels 
is beautifully painted and gilded. Between the ceiling and 
the roof of the building is the illuminating loft, which also 
accommodates the truss-work connecting the frame of the 
ceiling with the roof, in order to secure increased strength. 
Inside the panels are gas jets, numbering about 1,500, lighted 
by electricity, and which, during night sessions, shed a mel- 
low light upon the Hall beneath. The Hall is heated and 
ventilated by the same means as devised for the Senate. 

Basement. — The basement, reached beneath the E. or W. 
staircase, is entirely without decoration. Tlie central cor- 
ridor, 25 ft. wide from IST. to S., consists of a fine colonnade 
of 14 fluted marble columns on each side, with capitals 
formed of acanthus, tobacco, and corn leaves. The walls 
are scagliola, imitating Sienna marble, the ceiling iron, and 
the floor of encaustic tiles. On the 1. is the "House" Ke- 
fectory. The central corridor on the left passes the bath 
rooms, and terminates in the E. vestibule. The narrow 
8 



114 HISTORY. 

passage on the 1. leads to the steps to the vaults "and s\ib- 
basement, in which are the kitchens, heating and ventilat- 
ing apparatus, and coal vaults. These are materially the 
same as beneath the Senate. 

• Committee Eooms. — The only committee room of special 
interest is that on Agriculture, in the basement, on the W. 
side of the W. corridor S., and near the foot of the W. stair- 
case. This room was decorated by Brumidi in 1855, the first 
work of the kind done on the Capitol, and, with the excep- 
tion of the panels, is frescoed throughout. On the ceilings 
are representations of the four seasons, symbolized in Flora, 
Ceres, Bacchus, and Boreas. On the E. wall is a fresco 
representing Cincinnatus called from the plow to be Dictator 
of Rome. On the opposite wall is a corresponding scene, rep- 
resenting Putnam called from the plow to join in the battles 
of the Revolution. On the S. is a medallion of Washington, 
and beneath a Harvest in the Olden Time. Opposite Jefferson, 
and beneath, a Harvest Scene with Modern Improvements. 
This room may be seen by rapping at the door or making 
inquiry of one of the Capitol Police. 

The visitor has now seen the grander features of the Capi- 
tol. Those portions having no special interest have been 
purposely omitted, it being considered unnecessary to burden 
him with useless and unimportant details. 

Capitol Police. — The Capitol is patrolled by a special police 
corps, organized in 1862, and under the exclusive control of 
CongTess. The officers and privates are invariably courteous, 
and will take pleasure at all times in directing or escorting 
strangers to various parts of the building. 



HISTORY. 



115 



Architects of the Capitol, — 1793, Dr. William Thornton, of Penn., an 
amateur, designer of the Capitol ; 1793, Stephen Hallet, France; 1794, James, 
Hoban, S. C; 1795, George Hadfield, England ; 1796, James Hoban, S. C; 
1797, George Hadfield, England ; 1803, R. H. Latrobe, Md.; 1817, Charles 
Buliinch, Mass.; 1851, Thomas U. Walter, Penn.; 1865, Edward Clark, Penn. 

History. — The site of the Capitol was chosen and approved by Washing- 
ton, in the original plans of the city, submitted to him by L'Enfant, and in the 
summer of 1791 was located. On this occasion Mr. Ellicott drew the meridian 
and the E. and W. lines, at the intersection of which the Capitol was to stand. 
This having been accomplished, in March, 179a, the commissioners advertised 
in the newspapers in the principal towns and cities of the United States, offer- 
ing a premium of ;j5oo, or a medal, for a plan of a President's House and 
Capitol. In this matter Jefferson took an active interest. During his residence 
in Europe he had collected drawings of the fronts of celebrated public build- 
ings. These were now produced for examination. He suggested, in the present 
instance, that the style of architecture of the Capitol should be taken from 
some model of antiqu ty, and that the President's House should be modern. 




THE CAPITOL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN 184O. (EaStCm FaCadc.) 

In response to the advertisements a number of plans were submitted, but in the 
selection of one for the Capitol there was a variety of opinions. 

A plan by Dr. Wm. Thornton, of P«in., but materially altered and im- 
proved by others, was approved by Washington and submitted to Sj:ephen 
Hallet, a French architect, who was intrusted with its execution. On Sept. 
18, 1793, the corner-stone of the edifice, SE. corner, was laid by Brother 
George Washington, assisted by the Worshipful Masters and Free Masons 
of the surrounding cities, the military, and a large number of people. The 
silver plate deposited in the cavity of the stone bore the following inscription : 

" This south-east corner-stone of the Capitol of the United" States of America, 
in the City of Washington, was laid on the i8th day of September, T793, in the 
thirteenth year of American Independence, in the first year of the sec- 
ond term of the Presidency of George Washington, whose virtues in the civil 
administration of his country have been as conspicouous and beneficial, as his 
military valor and prudence have been useful in establishing her liberties, and 
in the year of Masonry 5793, by the President of the United States, in concert 
with the Grand Lodge of Maryland, several Lodges under its jurisdiction, and 
Lodge No. 22 from Alexandria, Virginia. 

"Thomas Johnson, David Stewart, and Daniel Carroll, Commissioners ; 
Joseph Clarke, R. W. G. M. P. T.; James Hoban and Stephen Hallate, Ar- 
chitects ; Collin Williamson, M. Mason." 



16 



msTuHY. 



After ascending from the cavazion the Grand Master, P. T., Joseph Clarke, 
delivered an oration during which, at intervals, volleys were fired by the 
artilL'ry. The ceremony closed in prayer, Masonic chanting honors, and a 
national salute of 15 guns. 

The President wore the apron and full regalia of a Mason. The gavel used 
was of ivory, and is still preserved as a treasured relic by Lodge No. 9 ot 
Georgetown. 

After the dedicatory services the entire assemblage took '^z.xX.'va. 2, barbecue 
arranged for the occasion in the E. Park, 

The N. Wing was ready for 
occupation in i8oc. In the com- 
pleted witig the Senate on the 
W. side, the House of Repre- 
sentatives on E., and the Su- 
preme Court in the ba.sement, 
first held their sessions. In 
1801 the House occupied a tem- 
porary structure called the 
"Oven," from its shape, erected 
on the site of the present S. Ex- 
tension. In 1805 it returned to 
its first apartment in the N. 
Wing. In 1803 R. H. Latrobe 
was appointed Architect of the 
Capitol. This gentleman made 
radical changes in the elevation 
and ground plan of the build- 
ing, raising the floor from the 
ground story to the principal 
order over the casement. The 
S. Wing was in readiness for the 
occupation of Congress iniSii. 
The central portions were stiU 
unfinished. An imsightly wood- 
en passage conrtecteJ the two 
wings. During thewarofi8i2 
work on the building was sus- 
pended. In 1 814 the interior of 
both wings was destroyed by 
the British, after which Con- 
gress, on Sept. iQ, 1814, met 
temporarily in the structure 
known as Blodgett's Hotel, sit- 
uated on the E-st. front of the 
square now occupied by the 
General Post Officf. The ses- 
sion of Congress commencing 
Dec. 18, 1815, assembled in a 
building on the SE. corner of A 
and ist sts. NE. erected by the 
citizens of Washington for the 
purpose, and was occupied till 
the restoration of the S. Wing 
of the original Capitol in 1827. 

• This structure was afterwards known as the "Old Capitol," and was used 
as a political prison during the Rebellion, 1861-65. 

In 1815, after an obstinate discussion, for a time threatening the most serious 
consequences to the harmony of the Union, Congress determined to restore the 
Capitol. The work of restoration was commenced by Mr. Latrobe. Charles 
Bulfinch, of Boston, his successor, commenced the central portions of the build- 
ing, including the Rotunda and Library, in 1818, which were completed in 1827. 




HISTORY. 



Ill 



In 1818 a temporary building was erected near the Capitol for the use of com- 
mittees of Congress. The plans of Latrobe, with a few slight modifications, 
were carried out, and the entire structure, with terraces and grounds, was com- 
pleted in 13 years, at a cost, including alterations, repairs, &c., and improve- 
ment of grounds, to 1851, when the Extensions were added, ^2,690,459.21, In 
Sept., 1850, Congress passed an act authorizing the extension of the Capitol. 
Thomas U. Walter, the architect of Girard College, at Philadelphia, in June, 
1851, submitted apian of extension to President Fillmore. This was accepted, 
and Mr. Walter was designated 
to carry it into execution. The 
corner-stone of the S. extension 
was laid on July 4, 1851. The 
following is a copy of the record 
deposited beneath the corner- 
stone : 

" On the morning of the first 
day of the seventy -sixth year of 
the Independence of the United 
States of America, in the City 
of Washington, being the 4th 
day of July, 1851, this stone, 
designated as the corner-stone 
of the Extension of the Capitol, 
according to a plan approved 
by the President, in pursuance 
by ofanactofCongress,was laid 
Millard Fillmore, President 
of the United States, assisted 
by the Grand Master of the 
Masonic Lodges, in the presence 
of many members of Congress; 
of officers of the Executive and 
Judiciary departments, Nation- 
al, State and District ; of officers 
of the Army and Navy ; the 
corporate authorities of this and 
neighboring cities ; many asso- 
ciations, civil and military and 
Masonic ; officers of the Smith- 
sonian Institution and National 
Institute ; professors of colleges 
and teachers of schools of the 
District of Columbia, with their 
students and pupils ; and a vast 
concourse of people from places 
near and remote, including a 
few surviving gentlemen who 
witnessed the laying of the 
corner- stone of the Capitol by 
President Washington, on the 
eighteenth day of September, 
seventeen hundred and ninety- 
three, i 

" If, therefore, it shall be hereafter, the will of God that this structure shall 
fall from its base, that its foundation be upturned, and this deposit brought to 
the eye of men, be it known that, on this day, the Union of the United States 
of America stands firm; that their Constitution still exists unimpaired, and 
with all its original usefulness and glory, growing every day stronger and 
stronger in the affections of the great body of the American people, and attract- 
ing more and more the admiration of the world. And all here assembled, 
whether belonging to public life or to private life, with hearts devoutly thankful 




118 HISTORY OF CONGRESS. 

to Almighty God for the preservation of the liberty and happiness of the coun 
try, unite in sincere and fervent prayers that this deposit, and the walls and 
arches, the domes and towers, the columns and entablatures, now to be erected 
over it, may endure forever ! 

" God save the United States of America ! Daniel Webster, 

"Secretary of State of the United States." 

Daniel Webster, the orator of the day, concluded the ceremonies in an elo- 
quent address. 

In 1855 Congress authorized the removal of the Dome, and the construction 
of a new one of iron, according to the plans of Architect Walter. The first 
Dome was built of wood. In the fire of 1851, which consumed the interior of 
the Library of Congress, this Dome was in imminent danger. Tnough'it 
escaped destruction, the lesson suggested its removal, which was done in 1856. 
In its place the erection of the present Dome of iron, finished in 1865, was 
undertaken. The inner shell of the first Dome was ornamented with panels or 
caissons, and modeled after that of the Pantheon of Agrippa at Rome. It was 
smaller in size, the Dome of the Capitol being 96 ft. in height and diameter, 
and 122 J^ ft to the skylight. The Dome of the Pantheon was 142 ft. in diam- 
eter, which was about the same as the height, one-half being the height of the 
Dome and the circular opening for light 23 ft. in diameter. The outer shell of 
the Dome of the Capitol was higher in proportion than its original in Rome. 
The circular aperture at the apex was also covered by a cupola, around which 
there was a balustrade, reached by a stairway between the inner and outer 
shells. The access, however, was inconvenient and dangerous. On one occa- 
sion a lady slipped and fell upon the sash, breaking the glass, but was prevented 
from precipitation to the pavement of the Rotunda below by the strength of the 
frame. 

The work on the Capitol was continued through the war of the rebellion, 
i86i-'65. On December 12, 1863, at noon, the statue of Freedom which sur- 
mounts the Dome was placed in position. The flag of the United States was 
unfurled from its crest, and was greeted by the shouts of thousands of citizens 
and soldiers. A national salute of thirty-five guns was fired by a field battery 
in the E. Park, and was responded to by the great guns of the chain of forts 
constituting the defenses of the threatened capital of the Nation. 

The new Hall of the S. Extension was occupied by the House of Represen- 
tatives December 16, 1857, ^nd that of the N. by the Senate January 4, 1859. 
The Capitol to date cost: Main Building ^3,000,000 ; Dome, $1,000,000; 
Extensions N. and S., 558,000,000 ; miscellaneous, $1,000,000. Total, $13, 000,- 
000. (See description of the Capitol for details 0/ its construction, embellish' 
mcnts, and objects of interest -within its tnighty 7ualis. ) 



HISTORY OF CONGRESS. 

The First Continental Congress, Pej^ton Randolph, of Va., 
President, met at Philadelphiajn Sept., 1774, all the colonies 
except Georgia being represented. The British king and 
ministry were highlj'- incensed at these "persons, styling 
themselves delegates of his majesty's colonies in America, 
having presumed, witliout his majesty's consent, to assemble 
together at Philadelphia." A circular was sent to all the 
colonial governors, and every effort was made, by threat or 
intimidation, to frustrate the assembling of the proposed 
Congress of 1775. The royal disapprobation of the proceed- 



RATIFICATION 01' CONSTITUTION. 119 

ing had no effect whatever. The Congress met at the ap- 
pohited tune and place, and Peyton Randolph, of Va., was 
again chosen President. Since this gathering the American 
Congress, Continental or General, as it was variously styled, 
has had an unbroken line of succession. 

Sessions of the Oontinental Congress. — Commenced 1774, 
Sept. 5, Philadelphia, Penn. ; 1775, Mav 10, Philadelphia, 
Penn. ; 1776, Dec. 20, Baltimore, Md. ; 1777, March 4, Phil- 
adelphia, Penn. ; 1777, Sept. 27, Lancaster, Penn. ; 1777, 
Sept. 30, York, Penn.; 1778, July 2, Philadelphia, Penn.; 
■ 1783, June 30, Princeton, N. J. ; 1783, IN'ov. 26, Annapolis, 
Md.; 1784, :N'ov. 1, Trenton, IS". J.; 1785, Jan. 11, :N'ew 
York City, IS". Y., until the adoption of the Constitution of 
the United States. 

Presidents of the Oontinental Congress. 1774-1788.— Pey- 
ton Randolph, Ya., elected Sept. 5, 1774 ; Henry Middleton, 
S. C, Oct. 22, 1774; Peyton Randolph, Va., May 10, 1775; 
John Hancoclv, Mass., May 24, 1775 ; Henry Laurens, S. C, 
:N"ov. 1, 1777; John Jaj^ N. Y., Dec. 10, 1778; Samuel 
Huntingdon, Conn., Sept. 28, 1779; Thomas McKean, Del., 
July 10, 1781 ; John Hanson, Md., jS'ov. 5, 1781 ; Elias Bou- 
dinot, N. J., :N'ov. 4, 1782; Thomas Mifflin, Penn., Nov. 3, 
1783; Richard Henry Lee, Va., ISTov. 3 J, 1784; Kathaniel 
Gorham, Mass., June 6, 1786; Arthur St. Clair, Penn., Feb. 
2, 1787 ; Cyrus Griffin, Va., Jan. 22, 1788. 

Under the Articles of Confederation^ executed at Phila- 
delphia July 9, 1778, Congress met annually on the first 
Monday in November, till tlie Constitution of the United 
States went into operation, in 1789. 

Ratification of the Constitution. — The Constitution of the 
United States of America was adopted September 37, 1787, 
pursuant to a resolution dated February 21, 1787, of the Con- 
gress assembled under the provisions of the Articles of Con- 
federation. The ratification, in convention, by the thirteen 
original States, was as follows: 1787, Dec. 7, Delaware; 1787, 
Dec. 12, Pennsylvania ; 1787, Dec. 18, New Jersey ; 1788, Jan, 
2, Georgia; 1788, Jan. 9, Connecticut; 1788, Feb. 6, Massa- 
chusetts; 1788, April 28, Maryland; 1788, May 23, South Car- 
olina; 1788, June 21, New Hampshire; 1788, Juno 26, Vir- 
ginia; 1788, July 26, New York; 1789, Nov. 21, North Carolina; 
1790, May 29, Rhode Island. 

The first Congress under the Constitution commenced March 
4, 1789, held two sessions in New York City, and subsequent- 
ly met in Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1790. For the next ten years 
the national capital found a resting place on the yaxj spot 



120 PRESIDENTS OF THE SENATE. 

where the Conthiental Congress of 1776 had given to the world 
that great instrument of American freedom tlie Declaration 
of Independence. The next step was to plant itself upon the 
broad waters of the Potomac. 

In June, 1800, the executive branch of the Government 
was transferred from Philadelphia to the Permanent Seat 
of Government^ and future Capital of the Republic establish- 
ed, by the act of 1790. The 6th Congress, 2d Session, the 
first which met in the City of Washington, assembled here 
on Nov. 17, 1800, the third Monday of Nov., but failed of a 
quorum of the Senate till Nov. 21, on which day the Presi- 
dent of tlie United States and House of Representatives 
were notified of the organization of tliat body. On tlie next 
day the President of tlie United States, John Adams, in 
person, delivered an appropriate address to the two Houses 
of Congress assembled in the Senate Chamber of the Capitol. 

The Constitution requires that '''•Congress shall assemble at 
least once in everj^ J^ear, and such meeting shall be on the 
first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint 
a different day." Article I section 1 of the Constitution 
provides that all legislative powers therein granted shall be 
vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist 
of a Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate is 
comx^osed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the 
Legislature thereof for six years ; and each Senator has one 
vote. The Senate is divided equallj^ into three classes, so 
that one third may be chosen every second year, the senato- 
rial term of a class always beginning with a new Congress. 
The Senate has advisory as well as legislative powers. Pres- 
ent number 74. 

Presidents of the Senate. — (Vice Presidents of the United 
States.) — 1789, 1-4 Congress, John Adams, Mass. ; 1797, 5-6, 
Thomas Jefferson, Va. ; 1801, 7-8, Aaron Burr, N. Y. ; 1805, 
9-12, George Clinton, N. Y. ; 1813, 13-14, Elbridge Gerrv, 
Mass. ; 1817, 15-18, D. D. Tompkins, N. Y. ; 1825, 19-22, J. 
C. Calhoun, S. C. ; 1833, 23-24, Martin Van Buren, N. Y. ; 
1837, 25-26, R. M. Johnson, Ky. ; 1841, 27, John Tyler, Va. ; 
1843, 28, vacant; 1845, 29-30, G. M. Dallas, Penn. ; 1849, 
31, Millard Fillmore, N. Y. ; 1851, 32, vacant; 1853, 33-34, 
A¥. R. King, 1 mo., Ala, ; 1853, 33-34, vacant; 1857, 35-36, 
John C. Breckinridge, Ky. ; 1861, 37-38, H. Hamlin, Me. ; 
1865, 39-40, A. Johnson, Tenn. ; 1867, 40, vacant: 1869, 41-42, 
Schuyler Colfax, Ind.; 1873, 43, Henry Wilson,' Mass. 

The House of Representatives is composed of member? 
chosen every second year b}'' the people of the several States, 
and are apportioned according to their respective population. 



HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 121 

Kepresentatioii, 292 members, 10 delegates, viz : Alabama 
8 ; Arkansas, 4 ; California, 4 ; Connecticut 4 ; Delaware, 1 
Florida, 2; Georgia, 9; Illinois, 19; Indiana, 13; Iowa, 9 
Kansas, 3 ; Kentuclvy 10 ; Louisiana, 6 ; Maine, 5 ; Maryland, 
6 ; Massachusetts, 11 ; Micliigan, 9 ; Minnesota, 3 ; Mississip- 
pi, 6 ; Missouri, 13 ; Nebraska, 1 ; ISTevada, 1 ; ISTew Hamp- 
shire 3 ; Kew Jersey, 7 ; New York, 33 ; North Carolina, 8 
Ohio, 20 ; Oregon, 1 ; Pennsylvania, 27 ; Rhode Island, 2 
South Carolina, 5; Tennessee, 10; Texas, 6; Vermont, 3 
Virginia, 9 ; West Virginia, 3 ; Wisconsin, 8 ; and one dele- 
gate from each of the Territories of Arizona, Colorada, Dako- 
ta, District of Columbia, Idalio, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, 
Washington, and Wyoming. Delegates maj'' propose mea- 
sures relating to their own Territory, but have no vote. 

Speakers of the House of Representatives. — 1789, 1st Con- 
gress, F. A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1791, 2, Jonathan Trum- 
bull, Conn.; 1793, 3, F. A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1795, 4-5, 
Jonathan Dayton, N. J. ; 1799, 6, Theodore Sedgwick, Mass. ; 
1801, 7-9, Nathaniel Macon, N. C. ; 1807, 10-11, Joseph B. 
Varnum, Mass.; 1811, 12-13, Henry Clay, Kv. ; 1813, 13, 
Langdon Cheves, S. C. ; 1815, 14-16, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1819, 
16, John W. Taylor, N. Y. ; 1821, 17, Philip B. Barbour, Va. ; 
1823, 18, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1825, 19, John W. Taylor, N. 
Y.; 1827, 20-23, Andrew Stevenson, Va.; 1835, 24, John 
Bell., Tenn. ; 1837, 25-26, James K. Polk, Tenn. ; 1841, 27, 
R. M. T. Hunter, Va. ; 27, John Wliite, Ky. ; 1843, 28, John 
W. Jones, Va. ; 1845, 29, J. W. Davis, Ind. ; 1847, 30, R. C. 
Winthrop, Mass. ; 1849, 31, Howell Cobb, Ga, ; 1851, 32-33, 
Linn Boyd, Kv. ; 1855, 34, N. P. Banks, Mass. ; 1857, 35 
James L. Orr, S. C. ; 1859, 36, ^Y . Pennington, N. J. ; 1861, 
37, Galusha A. Grow, Penn. ; 1863, 38-40, Schuyler CoKax, 
Ind. ; 1869. 41-43, J. G. Blaine, Me. 



122 president's house. 

PRESIDENT'S HOUSE. 

The official residence of the President of the United States 
of America stands cm the W. plateau of the citj^ IJ m. from 
the Capitol. In the earlj^ official plans and documents it is 
designated the Fresidenfs House, but has been since styled 
the Executive Mansion^ Vii\(\ popularly the '"'■WJiite House.''^ 
The Pennsylvania-av. street cars pass in front. 

Grounds. — The edifice is situated near the N". limit of Res- 
ervation No. 1, known as the President's Grounds, revised 
measurement, SOf a. The private grounds consist of about 
20 a. On theE., about 450 ft. distant, is the Treasury De- 
partment, and on the W. ai"e the Departments of State, War, 
and Navy. Between these buildings and the President's 
House is Executive av. In front a broad av., from loth to 17th 
sts. W., separates the N. Park from Lafayette Squai-e. Two 
gateways, connected by a semi-circular drive and footwalk, 
lead to the N. portico. This portion of the grounds is laid out 
in walks and partei-res, with a fountain in the centre. The 
grounds S. are divided by the semi-circular extension of Ex- 
ecutive av. That part within the enclosui-e is private^ and is 
adorned with lawns, walks, trees, flowers, and a fountain. On 
every Saturday afternoon during the summer the Marine Band 
plays in these grounds. To the SW. are the Presidents Sta^ 
bles. The broad avenue running S. connects with the drive 
on the Mall. 

The Building. — The President's House {E. Boom open to 
visitors every day., except Sunday., from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m.) 
built of freestone painted white, is 170 ft. long by 86 ft. wide, 
two stories high, broken by pilasters of the order, and crowned 
with a balustrade. On the N. is a grand portico., supported 
on 8 Ionic columns, with corresponding pilasters in the rear, 
affording a shelter for carriages and pedestrians. The S. front 
is adorned with a lofty semi-circular colonnade of G columns, 
of the same style as the N., resting on a rustic basement, and 
reached by 2 flights of steps. On the AV. ai-e the Conservato- 
ries. The general style is a modification of the residence of 
the Duke of Lienster, Dublin. The main door on the N.. 
opens into a ^^SiOSoxx^ vestibule ov entrance hall., 40 ft. front by 
50 ft. deep. A sash screen divides the entrance hall into two 
unequal parts. The entrance hall is frescoed overhead. The 
medallions on either side of the beautiful crystal chandelier 
are canvas, by Brumidi. On the walls, within the screen, are 
portraits of Presidents John Adams, Van Buren, Tyler, Polk, 
Fillmore; and Pierce, by Healy, purchased under act of 1857. 



124 president's house. 

The Washington is by Stuart. During the invasion of the 
British one of tlie colored servants of President Madison cut 
this picture from the frame, and in the flight of the Presi- 
dent's liouseliold carried it to Tennallytown, thus saving it 
from destruction. The portrait of Lincoln, by Cogs-well, 
was purchased in 1869. The small door on the r. opens into 
the Waiting Room, and the corresponding door on the 1. 
into a passage at the foot of the public stairway to the Ante 
Room. This passage is also used for the Marine Band, when 
performing at receptions. Across the passage is the East^ 
orighially designed for the Banqueting Boom, and still so 
used since 1837 — a beautiful apartment, 80 ft. by 40 ft., and 
22 ft. high. The style of decoration is pUre Greek, done in 
1873. The ceiling is divided into three panels, the centre 
varied in pattern, and all painted in oil. The walls are 
raised paper, gilded, and painted a drab gray. The wood- 
work throughout, including dado, columns, pilasters, gir- 
ders, cornice, and carved mantel-pieces, are in white and 
gold. There are four mirrors on the side walls, and two at 
either end. The furniture and hangings of the windows are 
in keeping. The rest of the first floor is private. 

The centre door within the screen opens into the Oval, or 
Blue-Room, 40 by 30 ft., a brilliant apartment, beautifully 
finished in blue and gold. The chandelier is crystal, fitted 
with ai-eflector. On the mantel are a pair of French vases 
of superior design and workmanship. In this room the Pres- 
ident receives diplomatic ministers accredited to the United 
States and presented for the first time. The President and 
wife also receive the people here on public occasions. 

On theE., through a door, is the Green Room, opening into 
E. Room, and on the W. the Red Roo?n, opening into the 
State Dining Room, 40 by 30 ft., with a dining table for 36 
covers, and suitable table ornaments. The G-reen and Red 
Rooms are 30 by 20 ft., and tastefully furnished. The Red 
Room is also the family parlor. On the mantel-piece is a fine 
gilt clock and pair of French vases, one with a representa- 
tion of the residence of Franklin at Passy, and the other 
showing the environs of Passy. At the W. end of the corri- 
dor are the Billiard Room and large Conservatory. In the 
NW. corner, across the corridor, are the private dining room, 
butler's pantry, and private stairs. 

On the second floor, the E. part of the building is occu- 
pied by the Executive Office and Ante Room, the latter reached 
by the public staircase through the door on the r. The Fres- 
idenVs Office, or Cabinet Room, is a fine apartment on the S. 
side, opposite the S. door of the passage, at the head of the 
public stairway, and looks out upon tlie S. portico. Adjoin- 



PREsIDE^T's HOUSE. 



125 



ing is the libraiy, used also as a family sitting room, and en- 
tered by a private door. Tlie private portions of the second 
floor are on the W. side, shnt ott'from the E., and consist of 
seven sleeping- apartments. 

In the basement are the servants' quarters, kitchens, store- 
rooms, and vaults for fuel. 

For formalities and receptions^ see General Information — 
Etiquette. 




president's house — SOUTH FRONT. 



History — The president's House, or " Palace," so styled in the earlier doc- 
uments, was the first of the public buildings erected. On March 14, 1792, the Com- 
missioners of the city advertised for plans for a President's House and Capitol. On 
July 16, T79Z, these were examined at Georgetown. The first premium of $500 was 
awarded to James Hoban, of Charleston, S. C, for the plan of a President's House. 
On Oct. I J, 1792,, the Commissioners, accompanied by the Freemasons, architects, 
and the inhabitants of Washington and Georgetown, marched in procession to the 
site selected for the President's House, and there, with appropriate and solemn 
ceremonies, laid the corner-stone of that structure. 

The work was conducted under the direction of Mr. Hoban, the architect, and 
was prosecuted under the same difficulties which surrounded the Capitol. Mr. 
Weld, an English traveler, writing in 1795, alludes to the building as the finest in 
the country, and much extolled by the people ; stating that persons found fault with 
it as being too large and too splendid for the residence of any person in a republican 
country ; and, to use his own words, " certainly it is a ridiculous habitation for a 
man who receives a salary that amounts to no more than £5,625 per annum, and 
in a country where the expenses of living are far greater than they are even in 
London." 

The first President to occupy the building was John Adams, who took possession 
in Nov., 1800, after the removal of the public offices to the permanent Seat of Gov- 
ernment. Previous to that time the Executive of the United States was without a 
home owned by the nation. In New York and Philadelphia rented houses were 
occupied. The building up to 1814 had cost $353,207. 

The President's House was destroyed by the British in 1814. After the evacua- 
tion the President occupied a fine residence on the corner of New York av. and i8th 



126 



PRESIDENT S HOUSE. 



St. NW., known as the "Octagon," and now used by the hydrographic office of the 
Navy Department. In 1815 Congress authorized the restoration of the Prestdent's 
House, which was done by Hoban, the original architect. It was not agacn ready, 
however, till after 1818 In 1823 the S. portico, in 1826 the East Room, and in 
1829 the N. portico were finished. Since that time the interior of the structure has 
been subject to freqUent renovations and repairs. It is entirely unsuitable, how- 
ever, for the purposes to which it is now applied : executive offices and private res- 
idence. Congress has now under consideration a proposition to erect a suitable and 
exclusively private mansion in the suburbs of the capital for the residence of the 
President's household, and the conversion of the present building into execu- 
tive offices. The total appropriations for the erection and maintenance of the Pres- 
ident's House from 1800 to date amounts to $1,700,000. 

»*5 




THE pbesident's HOUSE, 1840,— (from an old print.) 



Presidents of the United States.— 1, George Washington, 
Va., 1789-1797 ; 2, John Adams, Mass., 1797-1801 ; 3, Thomas 
Jefiferson, Va., 1801-1809 ; 4, James Madison, Va., 1809-1817 ; 
5, James Monroe, Va., 1817-1825; 6, John Qnincy Adams, 
Mass., 1825-1829; 7, Andrew Jaclvson, Tenn., 1829-1837; 
8, Martin Van Buren, N. Y., 1837-1841 ; 9, William Henry 
Harrison, Ohio, 1841, 1 mo.; 10, John Tyler, Va., 1841- 
1845; 11, James K. Polk, Tenn., 1845-1849; 12, Zachary 
Taylor, La., 1849-1850; 13, Millard Fillmore, N. Y., 1850- 
1853; 14, Franklin Pierce, N. H., 1853-1857; 15, James 
Buchanan, Penn., 1857-1861 ; 16, Abraham Lincoln, 111., 
1861-1865; 17, Andrew Johnson, Tenn., 1865-1869; 18, 
Ulysses S. Grant, 111., 1869-187-. 



president's house. 127 

The Executive, — The executive power^ under the Constitu- 
tion of the United States, is vested in a President elected for 
4 years, and a Vice President chosen for tlie same term. The 
President is chosen by electors in each State, equal to tlie 
whole number of Senators and Representatives of such State. 
The electors are voted for by the people of the State. No per- 
son except a natural-born citizen of the United States, having 
attained to the age of 35 years, is eligible to the office. The 
Vice President, who is elected in the same manner, succeeds 
in event of the removal, death, resignation, or incapacity of 
the President. The third in the line of succession is fixed by 
Congress. The executive has no powers except in conjunc- 
tion with the legislative branch. The inauguration of a 
President of tlie United States takes place on the 4th day of 
March after his election; or if the regular day comes on Sun- 
day, then the day following. JS^o formal ceremony is required, 
save to take the oath prescribed by the Constitution. Usage 
has imposed upon the Chief Justice of the United States the 
solemn duty of administeAng the oath. 



DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

The Department of State, {open daily from 9^ a. m. to 2^ 
p. TO., except Thursdays, devoted exclusively to the diplomatic 
corps, and Saturdays, during sessions of' Congress, to members,) 
occupies the S. pavilion of the imposing edifice, immedi- 
ately W. of the President's House. 

Tlie Building: — This vast structure, erected for the 
accommodation of the Departments of State, War and Navy, 
designed by A. B. Mullett, Supervising Architect of the 
Treasury, consists of three harmonious buildings united by 
connecting wings, and together forming in design and exe- 
cution, the finest edifice of the kind in the world. 

The style is the Roman Doric (Italian Renaissance), 
originally treated. It combines the massive proportions of 
ancient with the elegance of modern architecture. The 
dimensions from N. to S., including pavilion projections and 
steps, are 567 ft., and from E. to W. 342 ft., or exclusive of 
projections, 471 ft. N. and S. and 253 ft. E. and W. The 
greatest height from the terrace level over all is 128 ft. 
There is a sub-basement and basement of Maine granite, and 



128 DEPARTMENT UF STATE. 

superstructure of Vii-giiiia granite, comprising four stories in 
the pavilions of the N. and S. fap.ides, and one in the roof, 
and live stories and one in the roof in the E. and W. cen- 
tre pavilions. Tlie whole is crowned by an artistically de- 
signed mansard roof. The building was commenced in 1871, 
and the S. pavilion finished and occupied by the Depart- 
ment of State in 1875. The entire structure has 150 
rooms, and cost $5,000,000. 

The building has fonr facades of equal importance, the N. 
and S., and the E. and W. being respectively counterparts. 
There are two courts into which there are four private car- 
riage ways from the E. and W. The E, and W. facades pre- 
sent the appearance of a centre and two lateral wings. 
The centre is connected with the N. and S. by two wings. 
There are four grand entrances by the N., S. and, E. W. centres 
of the pavilions approached by massive flights of steps 
through the projecting porticoes. The platforms are of im- 
mense blocks of granite, weighing over 20 tons each. There 
are four other entrances of less importance. The building 
is absolutely fire-proof. All the stone was dressed in the 
quarries. The sub-basement is devoted to storage, fur- 
naces and engines, the basement to bindery, storage and 
clerks' rooms. The remaining stories are divided into 
splendid apartments, for the uses of the various bureaus of 
the Deoartment. 

Objects of Interest: — A grand corridor traverses the building 
from E. to W., and is intersected from the S. grand entrance by a spacious 
hall. Opposite is a passenger elevator. On the left is an ante-room On 
the second floor, S. side, over-looking the Potomac, is The Reception Room 
(4 and 6), a sumptuous Jrt/f«, open (when not in use) except on Thursdays; 
decorated in the Germanized Egyptian style, in distemper with Marquetry 
floor, and furnishings of ebonized wood and gold brocade. Here is a beautiful 
silver Urn, presented by citizens of Philadelphia, in 1812, to Captain Isaac 
Hull, of the U. S. frigate Constitution, for his victory over the British ship 
Guerriere, August 19, 1812 ; also a brace oi pistols and a gold-mounted sword, 
to the same, from citizens of Connecticut. The roo?n of the Secretary of State 
(12), adjoining on the E , is chastely tinted. The rooms of the Assistant Secre- 
taries and Chief Clerk are on the same range. The Diploviatic ante-room (i) 
is also delicately tinted. On the third story, over the S. entrance, is the Li- 
brary. The alcoves, arranged in four tiers, are entirely of iron. Over head is 
a glass canopy. The library is the most complete and valuable, in works of 
diplomacy, on this continent. 

In the department are the original rolls of all the laivs of the United States 
and the Diplomatic and Consular archives, including treaties, from the foun- 
dation of the Government. There are also othe r documents of historic value, 
principally the original drafts of the old Revolutionary documents, the Federal 
Constitution, Washington's Conanission 2lS, Commander-in-Chief of the Ameri- 
can troops during the Revolution, and the Andre papers. Tlie day before the 
occupation of the city by the British, John Graham, Stephen Pleasanton and 
Josiah King, clerks in the department, carried these, with many other valuable 
documents, to a place of safety across the Potomac. The treaties and other 
records are preserved in the room of the Keeper of Rolls. Until 1873 the more 
interesting treaties were shown to the public, but the valuable seals of some of 



130 DEPARTMEiNT UF STATE. 

them having been stolen by a subordinate of the depai'ment, they have since 
been placed away for greater security The Jiies of American Newspapers, 
from 1781, are the nid?.t extensive and complete in existence. 

The Columns, pilasters, casings and beams in the corridors are of iron, the 
doors throughout are of Honduras Mahogany. The spacious stairways at 
either end of the corridors are of granite, with exquisite bronze balusters ; over 
head is a stucco canopy. There is an electric clock on each floor. The floors 
are of white Vermont and black Pennsylvania marbles. 

Secretaries 0/ State — 1789, Thomas Jefferson, Va.; 1794, Edmund Ran- 
dolph, Va.; 1795, Timothy Pickering, Mass.; 1800, John Marshall, Va.; 1801, 
James Madison, Va.; 1809, Robert Smith, Md.; 1811, James Monroe, Va.; 
1817, John Q. Adams, Mass.; 1825, Henry Clay Ky.; 1829, Martin Van Buren, 
N. Y.; 1831, Edward Livingston, La.; 1&33, Louis McLane, Del.; 1834, John 
Forsyth, Ga.; 1841, Daniel Webster, Mass.; 1843, Hugh S. Legare, S. C; 1843, 

A. P. Upshur, Va.; 1844, John Nelson, Md.; 1844, J. C. Calhoun. S. C; 1845, 
James Buchanan, Penn.; 1849, J. M. Clayton, Del.; 1850, Daniel Webster, 
Mass.; 1852, Edward Everett, Mass.; 1853, ^^ ^' Marcy, N. Y.; 1857, Lewis 
Cass, Mich.; i860 Jer. S. Black, Penn.; 1861, W. H. Seward, N. Y.; 1869, E. 

B. Washburne, 111.; 1869, Hamilton Fish, N. Y. 

History of the Department. — Before the adoption of the Constitu- 
tion of the United States the "Department of Foreign Affairs" was under the 
direction of an officer styled '' Secretary to the United States of America for the 
Department of Foreign Affairs,'' who was required to " reside where Congress or 
a committee of the States should sit," and held his office during the pleasure oi 
Congress. On July 27, 1789, after the adoption of the Constitution, the office 
was created an executive department, to be known as the Department of For- 
eign Affairs, and the head as the " Secretary for the Department of Foreign 
Affairs " On September 15, 1789, the name was changed to Department ol 
State, and the chief officer designated Secretary of State. The Secretary is 
ex officio a member of the Cabinet of the President of the United States, and 
carries out his instructions, "agreeable to the Constitution," in all matters re- 
lating to diplomatic intercourse with foreign nations. Under this general pro- 
vision he is specially charged with the negotiation of all treaties with foreign 
Powers, and conducts all official correspondence with the diplomatic repre- 
sentatives of foreign governments resident in the United States, and with the 
diplomatic officers and consuls of the United States abroad, and grants pass- 
ports to citizens ol the United States leaving the country. He is the custodian 
of the seal of the United States^ being governed in its use by the orders of the 
President. He also prepares and attests the commissions granted to all officers 
confirmed by the Senate, and superintends the publication of all acts and reso- 
lutions of Congress, and foreign and Indian treaties, and preserves the originals 
of the same. 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 131 



TKEASURY DEPART]MEXT. 

The Treasury Department {open to the public daily, except 
Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m.) lies E. of the President's 
House, on the line of loth st., and may be reached from the 
E . or W. by the Pennsylvania-av. line of street cars. 

Description of the Building — The general plan of the 
building measures 468 ft. from IS", to S.. and 264 ft. from E. 
to W., or, inclusive of porticos and steps, 582 ft. by 300 ft. 
The order is pure Grecian Ionic, the columns and pilasters 
running tlirough three stories, above which is an attic, and 
below two stories in a basement, the lower one of rustic 
work. The sky-line of the entire building is surmounted by 
a stone balustrade. The building has fom* fronts. The W., 
which faces the city, consists of a colonnade 336 ft. long and 
30 Ionic columns, flanked on either side by a recessed portico. 
The colonnade and corresponding portion are of Virginia 
freestone. 

The rest of the entire structure is granite, from Dix island, 
on the coast of Maine. Tlie E. front, facing the President's 
House, is broken by a grand central portico, consisting of 8 
monolithic pillars front, and 2 in the recess in the centre, 
and the same in the recesses on either side. This portico is 
reached by a broad flight of steps. At either end, on the same 
line, are two small porticos, corresponding with those on the 
W. side. The iN". and S. fronts are the same, consisting of a 
central portico with 8 columns front, and 2 in the recess. 
Steps descend to a broad tessellated platform, bounded on 
either side by a balustrade. The platform on the.N". front is 
below the level of the avenue. A beautiful fountain adds to 
the attractions of tliis front. On the S. the same platform 
stands a few feet above the level, which gives a very impos- 
ing effect. The shafts of all the columns in the extension 
are monolithic, 31| ft. high, 4 ft. in diameter, and weigh 33 
tons. The pilasters are also single blocks of the same height, 
and weigh 6 tons. The cap-stones of the blockings, against 
which the steps abut, measure each 18 ft.XlT ft.x20 in., and 
weigh 43 tons. The sills, piers, and cornice are of very fine 
design and workmanship. On the E., N"., and S., on either 
side of the steps and platforms, are beautiful parterres, in 
summer filled with flowers and ornamental shrubs. The 
building has 4 principal entrances on a line with the order, 
and 3 in the basement on the W. front. ' The interior arrange- 
ment of the plan consists of 2 hollow squares, separated by a 
wing 57 ft. wide, and, exclusive of the main building, 120 ft. 



132 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 



deep, projecting W. These squares measure each 138 ft. by 
123 ft. The old portion of the present building, erected part- 
ly on tlie same site after the destruction of its predecessor, 
the S. E. executive building, in March, 1833, was designed 
by Robert Mills, commenced in 1836, and ready for occupan- 
cy in 1841. It was of a T shape, tiie colonnade fronting E., 
and a wing projecting W. The colonnade is after the style of 
the Temple of Minerva Pallas at Athens. In order to secure 
II uniformity of fronts, it is proposed to take down the colon- 
nade on the W. and replace it with a fa9ade corresponding 
witii that on the E. This would necessitate the acquisition 
of a portion of the square opposite. In 1855 the extension 
was designed by Walter, and begun by Young, continued 
by Rogers, and finished by Mullett. The W. entrance is 
reached by a double flight of steps, into a vestibule formed 
of 6 Doric columns, supporting groined arches. In tiie cen- 
tre is the main corridor, dividing the building into two parts, 
and leading to the E. vestibule and entrance. On tlie r. and 




TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 



I. arc corridors to the wings. A double stairway to tlie base- 
ment and the npper stories springs from this vestibule. 1 here 
are also stairwavs in eacli anii'le and opposite the E. entrance. 
The vestibules of the N. and W. entrances are chastely ce- 
sio-ned, supported on iron columns. The corridors of the 
extension are broken by iron pilasters, and tlic capitals cor- 
nice, and ceilings are ornamented with emblematic designs. 
The entrance oil the S. front opens dhvetly into the S. corn 
dor. The building contains 195 rooms, in addition to those ii 



in 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 133 

the sub-basement devoted to heating apparatus, shops, and 
store-rooms, and the attic, occupied by tlie Bureau of Engrav- 
ing and Printing. Cost, $6,000,000. 

The Secretary's room is on the second floor, W. coj-ridor, a 
little S. of the central corridor, name over the door. The ob- 
jects of special interest in the building are the Cash Room and 
the Vaults. The business entrance to tlie Cash Room is on the 
first floor, N. corridor, reached from the W. door, turning to 
the r., or from tlie vestibule of tlie N". entrance. The public 
should view the room from the balcony, entered by a door on 
the S. side of the N. corridor on the second floor. The par- 
ticular features of the room are the walls, which are of highly 
polished marbles of various varieties. List of marbles: Low- 
er Story — stylobate, hase^ black, Vermont; mouldingsy 
Bardiglio, Italian : stiles^ dove, Vermont ; panels^ Sienna, 
Italian; dies, Tennessee. Above stylobate, pilasters 
and panel beads, white veined ; stiles, Sienna, ItuViim 'j panelSy 
Bardiglio, Italian ; cornice, white-veined. Italian. Upper 
Story — stylobate same as lovv^er. Above stylobate as in 
lower story, except tha panels, which are Sarrangolum mar- 
ble from the Pyrenees. 

The vaults, in wliich the current funds of the Grovernment 
are kept, may be seen on a written permit from the Treasurer 
of tlie United States, whose office is in the ISTE. angle of the 
building, first floor. This permit should be delivered to the 
Cashier, who occupies the room entered by the first door W. 
of the entrance to the General Cash Room. The vaults are 
of steel and chilled iron, about 20 by 15 ft. Another of the 
same capacity is overhead. The amount usually in the vault 
is about $1 0,000,000, including gold coin. The money is kept 
in packages or bags in the wooden cases. Near the door of the 
vault is an elevator, used for conveying money between the 
vaults above and the express office immediately below. As 
much as $5,000,000 have been shipped to the different sub- 
treasuries in a single day. The vault in which the national 
bank bonds are kept is on the same floor, nearby- It may l>e 
seen in the same manner as that just mentioned,, the permit 
being delivered to the Chief of the Division of National 
Banks, whose office is in the N"W. angle of the building. In 
the basement are two reserve vaults, not open to visitors at all. 

On the r. side of the W. corridor, after leaving the Cash 
Room, the operation of counting the currency may be seen 
through any of the doorways. None but employees are per- 
mitted to enter. The counting is done entirely by lady- 
clerks. The facility and accuracy with wliieh their nimble 
fingers accomplish the work are not only maiTelous, but 
extremely creditable to their skill. It may also, be saLd^ with 



134 TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 

respect to this class of employees of the Government, that 
they possess many qualilications of a very superior character. 

In the rooms of the Redemption Division, m the N. corri- 
dor of the basement, the currency unlit for circulation, and 
received from all parts of the countrj^, is counted and can- 
celled previous to being burned. The routine observed from 
the receipt of the money from the express company till its 
final destruction is extremely interesting, Tlie cancelling is 
done by a machine run by means of a turbine wheel. In or- 
der to witness the operation, it will be necessary to obtain a 
permit from the Treasurer, the same as for a visit to tlie vaults. 

Tlie Bureaus of the Treasury Department proper are Ap- 
pointment, Warrant, Independent Treasurj^, Customs, Rev- 
enue Marine, Navigation, Internal Revenue, Stationery, 
Captured and Abandoned Property, Special Agent, Super- 
vising Architect, Marine Hospital, Supervising Inspector 
General of Steamboats, Statistics, Mint, Mail Records and 
Files, Loans, Currency, Engraving and Printing, Light- 
House Board, Comptrollers, Commissioner of Customs, 
Auditors, Treasurer's OtHce, Register's Office, Comptroller 
of tlie Currency, and Commissioner of Internal Revenue. 
The service outside of tlie Department consists of the Inde- 
pendent Treasury, Mints, Assa}'' Offices, Depositories, Cus- 
toms, Internal Revenue, lafe-saving Station, Light House, 
Marine Hospital, Revenue Marine, Special Agents and Com- 
missioners, Steamboat Inspection, and Coast" Survey. 

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is in the attic, at 
the head of the 1. flight of steps leading up from the W. en- 
trance. Visitors are admitted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 
from 9.30 to 10.30 a. m., by order of tlie Secretary of the 
Treasuiy, in the discretion of the Superintendent of the 
Bureau. In these rooms are presses and other machin- 
ery for the final printing on United States bonds and other 
securities and notes, fractional currency, land internal reve- 
nue stamps. The preliminaiy printing, as the backs, is done 
outside. The engraving for tlie final printing is also done in 
the bureau. About 500 men and women are employed. A 
100-Iiorse-power engine runs the macliinery. The paper is 
counted as issued, and no employee is permitted to leave till 
all the sheets are returned to the officer in charge of their 
custody. 

Photograpli Office. — Opposite the S. entrance is the build- 
ing occupied by the Photographer of the Treasuiy Depart- 
ment. Here/ac similes of accounts for verification by agents 
sent throughout the country or abroad, and plans and eleva- 
tions of public buildings, are made by means of photography. 
This work is carried on on a large scale. 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 135 

Coast Survey. — This important office occupies a private 
building, erected, however, for its use, in 1871, on 'New Jer- 
sey av., SE. of the Capitol, between B and C sts., W. side. 
The object of the service is the survey of the coasts of the 
United States on tide water. Its operations commenced in 
1807, but its permanent organization was not effected till 1833. 
In the building are preserved the original records and charts, 
topographical and hydrographic, from the beginning. The 
Standards of Weights and Measures are also kept here, and 
are under the control of the Superintendent of the Coast Sur- 
vey. From these the standards are furnished to the States. 
The balance for heavy weights is a fine specimen of workman- 
ship, and took the premium at the World's Fair at London. 
There is also a set of French weights and measures, presented 
to the United States. These interesting objects are not on 
general exhibition. Gentlemen of science, or others having 
a special purpose in view, may see them on application to the 
Superintendent. 

Secretaries of the Treasury. — 1789, Alexander Hamilton, 
N.Y.; 1795, Oliver Wolcott,' Jr., Conn. ; 1801, Samuel Dex- 
ter, Mass. ; 1801, Albert Gallatin, Penn. ; 1814, G. W. Camp- 
bell, Tenn. ; 1814, A. J. Dallas, Penn. ; 1816, W. H. Craw- 
ford, Ga. ; 1825, Richard Rush, Penn.; 1829, S. D. Ingham, 
Penn. ; 1831, Louis McLane, Del. ; 1833, W. J. Duane, Penn.; 
1833, Roger B. Taney, Md.; 1834, Levi Woodbury, N. H. ; 
1841, Thomas Ewing, Ohio ; 1841, W. Forward, Penn. ; 1843, 
J. C. Spencer, K. Y. ; 1844, G. M. Bibb, Ky. ; 1845, R. J. 
Walker, Miss. ; 1849, W. M. Meredith, Penn. ; 1850, Thomas 
Corwin, Ohio; 1853, James Guthrie, Ky. ; 1857, Howell Cobb, 
Qa. ; 1860, P. F. Thomas, Md. ; 1861, J. A. Dix, N. Y. ; 1861, 
S. P. Chase, Ohio; 1864, W. P. Fessehden, Me.; 1865, H. 
I^cCullocli, Ind. ; 1869, G. S. Boutwell, Mass. ; 1873, W. A. 
Richardson, Mass.; 1874, B. H. Bristow, Ky. 

The "Department of the Treasury" was organized under 
act of Congress of September 2, 1789, with a Secretary of the 
Treasury as the chief officer, who is also ex officio a member 
of the President's Cabinet, It was the dutj^of the Secretary 
to manage tlie business pertaining to the revenue and the 
support of the public credit, to make estimates of revenues 
and expenditures, to collect the revenue, to decide the form 
of keeping and stating accounts and making returns, to grant 
warrants for moneys authorized by law, to execute such ser- 
vices relative to the sale of public lands as were required of 
him by law, to communicate information to Congress, and ' 
generally to perform all services relative to the finances. In 
1800 the Secretary was required to submit, at the commence- 



136 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 



ment of every session, a report on the finances of the Gov- 
ernment, with estimates of revenue and expenditures. Under 
the act of 1789 it was the duty of the Treasurer of the United 
States to receive and keep the moneys of the United States 
and to disburse the same upon warrants drawn by the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury, countersigned by the Comptroller, and 
recorded by the Register. 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 

Tlie War Department {open every day^ Sunday excepted^ 
from 9 a. m. to ^ p. m.) lies W. of the President's House, and 
fronts on Pennsylvania av. In former days it was known as 
the NW. Executive Building. It will be taken down to give 
place to the new department now being erected. The Sec- 
retary's office is at the E. end of the corridor on the second 
floor. Here may be seen a gallery of portraits of the Secre- 
taries of War, by various artists, among whom are Sully, 
Healy, Weir, Huntingdon, Brackett, Young, Ulke, and Thorpe. 
Portrait of Calhoun is an original, by Sully, and is very superior. 
It was taken from sittings. The rest are copies. The Head- 
quarters of the General ^the Army, removed to St. Louis 1874, 




WAR DEPARTMENT. 



were on the r., inside of the E. entrance. There are many 
objects of interest, including rare manuscripts, in the depart- 
ment ; but not in a condition to be seen. It is intended to 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 137 

set apart a room for their exhibition in the new building. The 
Arsenal and Medical and Ordnance Museums, the latter in 
Winder's building, will be found elsewhere. In rented build- 
ings are the Signal Office and Flag Room. Tlie latter occupies 
the first floor of a small building ^o. 616 W. side of 17th st., 
opposite the War Department, {open from 9 a. m, to 3 p. m. 
dailij^i except Sunday. In one room are the United States 
and State flags taken from the national forces and recovered 
upon the capture of Richmond. In the back room are the 
captured Confederate flags. They represent every State. 
Some are associated with interesting historic incidents, others 
are curious and novel. 

Signal Office. — {Open every day., except Sunday., from 9 a. 
m. to 3 p. m.) The Chief Signal Officer of the Army, under 
whose direction the national weather observations are made, 
occupies two contiguous brick buildings on the N". side of Gi- 
st., W. of the War Department. The stranger in the city, 
upon reaching the head of the street, cannot fail to notice 
them by a vaiiety of anemometers of divers sizes, and an- 
emoscopes or vanes projecting above the roof. A number 
of converging electric wires may bo seen entering the build- 
ing, some communicating with self-registering instruments 
or connecting the telegraphic department of the offlce with 
the different stations in all parts of the country through the 
lines of the general telegraphic companies. 

The entrance for visitors is by the door ISTo. 1719. They 
ascend to the instrument room in the fourth story. The 
chief interest centres in the Instrument Room., where may be 
examined the apparatus employed in tlie various meteoro- 
logical observations. These instruments are of the most ap- 
proved patterns, including tlie barometer, to show tlie atmos- 
pheric pressure and to indicate the passage of storms ; the 
thermometer, mercurial and spirit, for indicating the tem- 
perature of the air ; the hygrometer, to show the humidity 
of the air ; one maximum and one minimum thermometer, 
to indicate the highest and lowest temperature; the anem- 
ometer, for obtaining the velocity of the wind; the wind 
vane, or anemoscope, for indicating the direction of the wind ; 
and the rain gauge, for noting the rain-fall. 

The roof of the building is devoted to the instruments and 
apparatus requiring open exposure to the weather, such as 
rain-gauges, wind- vanes, and anemometers. A shelter also 
projects from a window on the IST., designed with special 
reference to the comparison of thermometers and other in- 
struments in an equal temperature. In addition to these 
Instruments of common use, there is a complete set of self- 



1B8 WAR DEPARTMENT. 

recording and photographic meteorological instruments, ope- 
rated by means of clock-work and electric batteries. There 
are also two cases containing a "panorama of the clouds," 
illustrating the different kind of clouds, showing the trans- 
formation of each type of clouds into its derivative. It also 
shows meteoric effects, especially the localization of clouds 
about tlie crest of pealcs or on the summits of loftier moun- 
tain ranges. There are also other instruments of general use, 
though not part of meterological science. Among these are 
a pentagraph, for transferring and reducing isobarometric 
and isothermal curves from paper to zinc ; a self-registering 
instrument for showing the rise and fall of rivers, and a 
terrestrial globe. 

In addition to the report of the meteoric condition of the 
United States, tlie office also receives the height of the vari- 
ous navigable rivers. The data thus collected is published 
throughout the country in the newspapers and at 4,491 post 
offices, in synopses and probabilities and weather maps. Caii- 
tionary signals are displayed at sea and lake ports for the ben- 
efit of vessels. A line of telegrapliic wires connects the life- 
saving stations, hj means of which cautionary signals are dis- 
played along tlie coast, thus warning small craft in time to 
seek slielter on the approach of a storm. In 1873 home re- 
ports were received from 78 stations, from Maine to Texas, 
and from the Atlantic to the Pacific ; also from 11 stations 
in Canada and 3 in the West Indies. 

All observations are made synchronously at tlie different 
stations at the exact hours of 7.35 a. m., 4.35 p. m., and 11.35 
p. m., Washington time. All reports are received and results 
distributed, except to post offices, over the lines of the prin- 
cipal telegraphic companies. 

The instruction of the army in military signaling and tele- 
graphy, and for supplying it with the necessary apparatus, 
previously conducted on an experimental basis, since 1870 
has baen prosecuted with a degree of success which promises 
to materially simplify the difficulty of moving large bodies of 
troops or fleets of vessels, and to constitute an essential ele- 
mant of tactical operations, whether on the march or in bat- 
tle. Signal schools of instruction have been established. 

The successful and responsible organization of a military 
signal corps has led to a further extension of the service to a 
uniform course of instruction to apply to the army and navy 
and marines. 

On February 9, 1870, these satisfactory results in the orig- 
inal duty contemplated for the signal corps were supplement- 
ed by diverting the practiced skill of its oflScers and men into 
a still wider field of operations. 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 139 

To meet the additional duty, tlie labor of the Signal Bureau 
was distributed under two distinct heads. First, tlie Division 
of Signals Proper^ to embrace tlie system of militarj^ signals 
and telegrapliy, and to have charge of the instruction of offi- 
cers and men of any branch of the service designated for that 
duty. Second, the Division of Telegrams and Reports for the 
Benefit of Commerce. The organization of this new and novel 
service, in accordance with general orders, was immediately 
-commenced by Col. Albert J. Myer, Brevet Brigadier General 
and Chief Signal Officer of the Army. 

; The stations are divided into two classes: First, stations of 
observation and report, and to which all reports of observa- 
tions elsewhere made are forwarded. Second, stations of re- 
port alone, or tliose at which observations elsewhere made 
are reported. 

- On ^ov. 1, 1870, the preliminary arrangements having been 
perfected at 7.35 a. m., the first systematized synchronous me- 
-ieoric reports ever taken in the United States were read from 
the instruments by the observer sergeants of the signal ser- 
vice at 24 stations, and placed upon the telegraphic wires for 
transmission. A further extension of the utility of the ser- 
vice was made in Oct., 1871, after a series of satisfactory ex- 
periments, by the display of cautionary signals at ports on the 
Atlantic and the Gulf- coast-^nd- the- northern lakes. The 
sphere of usefulness of this important service is annually 
extended. 

Secretaries of ]Far.— 1789, Henry Knox, Mass. ; 1795, 
Timothy Pickering, Mass. ; 1796, James McHenry, Md. ; 

1800, Samuel Dexter, Mass. ; 1801, Koger Griswold, Conn. ; 

1801, Henry Dearborn, Mass. ; 1809, William Eustis, Mass. ; 
1813, John Armstrong, IS". Y. ; 1814, James Monroe, Va. : 
1815, W. H. Crawford, Ga. ; 1817, J. 0. Calhoun, S. C. ; 1825, 

. James Barbour, Va. ; 1828, P. B. Porter, IN". Y. ; 1829, J. H. 
Eaton, Tenn. ; 1831, Lewis Cass, Mich. ; 1837, Joel R. Poin- 
sett, S. C. ; 1841, John Bell, Tenn. ; 1841, J. C. Spencer, jS". 
Y. ; 1844, \V. Wilkins, Penn. ; 1845, W. L. Marc}^ jS". Y. ; 
1849, G. W. Crawford, Ga. ; 1850, Gen. Winfield Scott, ad 
in.\ Army; 1850, C. M. Conrad, La. ; 1853, Jefferson Davis, 
Miss. ; 1857, J. B. Floyd, Va. ; 1860, J. Holt, Ky. ; 1861, 
Simon Cameron, Penn. ; 1862, E. M. Stanton, Ohio ; 1867, 
Gen. U. S. Grant, ad in.^ Army ; 1868, Adj. Gen. L. Thomas, 
ad in.. Army; 1868, J. M. Schofield, 111.; 1869, J. A. Eaw- 
lins, III.; 1869, Gen. W.T. Sherman, j9. t., Army; 1889, W. 
W. Belknap, lo. 

Prior to 1789, under an ordinance for ascertaining the pow- 
ers and duties of the Secretary of War, that officer was charged 



140 NAVY DEPARTMENT. 

with the cUrect management of the military affairs of Con- 
gress, required to report to Congress the condition of the 
army and miUtary stores and suppUes, and to keep returns ; 
to make all military estimates ; to direct tlie operations of 
troops in the service, subject to tlie orders of Congress or the 
committees of the States ; to appoint and remove at pleasure 
all persons under him, b jing responsible to Congress for their 
conduct. The office was created an executive departmint by 
the act of Congress August 7, 1789, to be known as tiie De- 
partment of War, and tlie chief officer as Secretary for the 
Department of War. He was required to execute the orders 
of tlie President of the United States, ''agreeably to the 
Constitution," in all matters respecting military or naval af- 
fairs, to the granting of lands to persons entitled to the same 
for military services rendered to the United States, and rela- 
tive to Indian affairs. September 29, 1789, the military es- 
tablishment of 1787 was adapted to the Constitution. The 
early powers of the Secretary of War, by subsequent enact- 
ment, have been restricted to the exercise, under the direc- 
tion of the President, of i urisdiction over the military service 
onl5\ The Secretary of War is ex officio a member of the 
Cabinet. 



KAVY DEPARTMEN^T. 



This department {open everi/ day^ except Sundatf^ from 9 a. 
m. to 3 p. m.) lies W. of the i?residcnt's House, and was for- 
merly designated tlie SW. Executive Building. This structure 
will shortly be taken down, to make space for the new depart- 
ment now being erected. The original building fac3d S. A 
wing erected iii 1861 now projects instead. The Secretanfs 
office is at the S. end of the corridor on the second tloor. The 
AdniiraVs office is at his residence, 1710 H st. :N'W. The Na- 
val Observatory, Navy-yard, and Marine Barracks will be 
described under their appropriate heads. Tiie Ri/drogmphic 
office, XE. corner of 18th st. and New York av. NW., occu- 
pies a rented building called the "Octagon," the residence of 
the President of thelJnited States tillthe restoration of the 
President's House after the occupation of the city in 1814. 
The Hydrographic office was established in 1866, and is a 
branch of the Bureau of Navigation. Its objects are the col- 
lection of hydrographic information, preparation of sailing 
directions, the collection of charts, the engraving and print- 



NAVY DEPARTMENT. 141 

ing of new ones, and the revision of old ; also the care of all 
histraments except chronometers and compasses. 

Nautical Almanac Office — This branch of the Bureau of 
Navigation occupies a rented building, I^o. 807 22d st. NW. 
Was started at Cambridge, IMass., under an act of Congress, 
1849. In 1866 it was remove 1 to Washington. The object 
is the computation of astronomical tables for the use of the 
Kaval Observatorj' and Navy. A set of tables is also printed 
for the merchant service, giving longitude of Washington and 
Greenwich. Under the act of 1850 the meridian of the Na- 
val Observatory was adopted as the American meridian for 
astronomical and that of Greenwich for nautical purposes. 
The almanac is prepared three years in advance. There is a 
fine astronomical library connected with the office. 

Secretaries of the Navy. — 1789, Henry Knox, Mass. ; 1794, 
Timothv Pickering, Penn.; 1796, James McHenry, Md. ; 1798, 
Benjamin Stoddert, Md. ; 1802, Robert Smith, Md.; 1805, 
Jacob Crowninshield, Mass.; 1809, Paul Hamilton, S. C; 
1813, William Jones, Penn.; 1814, B. W. Crowninshield, 
Mass. ; 1818, Smltli Thompson, N. Y. ; 1823, S. L. Southard, 
N. J. ; 1829, John Branch, N. C. ; 1831, Levi Woodburv, N. 
H. ; 1834, Mahlon Dickerson, N. J. ; 1838, J. K. Paulding. N. 
Y.; 1841, G. E . Badger, N. C. ; 1841, A. P. Upshur, Va. ; 1844, 
T. W. Gilmer, Va. ; 1844, J. Y. Mason, Va. ; 1845, George 
Bancroft, Mass. ; 1846, John Y. Mason, Va. ; 1849, W. B. 
Preston, Va. ; 1850, W. A. Graham, N. C. ; 1852, J. P. Ken- 
nedj^ Md. ; 1853, J. C. Dobbin, N. C. ; 1857, Isaac Toucey, 
Conn. ; 1861, Gideon Welles, Conn.; 1869, A.E. Borie, Penn.; 
1869, G. M. Robeson, N. J. 

The naval service, previously under the direction of the 
Secretary of War, in April, 1798, was assigned to an execu- 
tive department created for the purpose, and designated the 
Department of the Na^y, the chief officer of which was to be 
called the Secretary of the Navy. His duties were to execute 
the orders of the President of the United States in all matters 
connected with the naval establishment of the United States. 
During the same year the Marine Corps was organized, as an 
adjunct to the naval establishment. 

In 1862 the department was reorganized by the division of 
its duties into eight bureaus, viz, Ordnance, Equipment and 
Recruiting, Yards and "Docks, Navigation, Medicine and Sur- 
ger5^. Provisions and Clothing, Steam Engineering, and Con- 
struction and Repair. 

The Secretary of the Navy is ex officio a member of the 
Cabinet of the President of the United States. 



142 DEPARTMENT OF TQE INTERIOR. 



DEPART^ilENT OF THE IXTERIOK. 

This important department {open every day^ except Sun- 
day, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) occupies rooms on the i^. cor- 
ridor, main floor, of the vast structure Ivnown as tlie Patent 
Office. Tlie Secretary'- of tlie Interior is charged with the 
administration of affairs relathio- to patents, public lands, 
pensions, Indians, census, education, and the beneticiary 
asylums in the District of Columbia belonging to the Gov- 
ernment. He is invested with the powers, prior to the act of 
1873, exercised by the Secretary of State over tlie Territories 
of tlie United States, and also has supervisory control over 
the architect of the Capitol. The office of the Secretary is 
on the iST. corridor, near the ISTE. corner of the building. In 
the- Secretary's office are photographs of the Secretaries of 
the Interior. In the Chief Clerk's room, adjoining on the 
E., are portraits of Thomas Ewing and Caleb B. Smith, for- 
mer Secretaries, by Stanley. 

For description of the building, see Patent Office. 

Indian Office. — There are frequently delegations of Indians 
at the National Capital, brought here in connection with 
negotiations or business under treaties. The councils are 
held in the office of the Secretarj'' of the Interior or Commis- 
sioner, in the I*^. corridor. On these occasions the red sons 
of the forest meet the representatives of the '•' Great Father," 
and negotiations are conducted in great form and ceremonj'-, 
only lackuig the wild surroundings of the savage country. 

Bureau of Education. — (Open every day, except Sunday, 
from da. m. to 3^;. m.) — The Bureau of Education occupies 
a rented building on the ]S"E. corner of G and 8th sts. NW., 
opposite the E. part of the IST. fajade of the Patent Office. 
There is a fine library of educational works, and other objects 
of interest in the building. 

The fathers of the Republic recognized education as among 
the leading elements of prosperitj'" and success. It was not, 
however, till long after the Constitution was established that 
the Government gave the subject a national recognition. In 
response to tlie growing sentiment in favor of public educa- 
tion, in 1832 Congress passed an act giving, in connection 
with a division of the proceeds of land sales, 12^- per cent, to 
certain States for educational purposes. This was vetoed by 
Jackson. In 1837 Congress authorized the deposit with the 
different States, in proportion to their representation, of mil- 
lions of the surplus funds in the Treasury for safe keeping 



DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR. 143 

and repayment when required. The hicome of this in a 
large number of the States was set apart for school purposes. 
Suibsequently the acts admitting Oregon and Minnesota and 
other new States added to the i6th the 36th section of land 
in each township for school purposes. 

In 1862 followed the grants for colleges of agriculture and 
the ineclianic arts. Taken in connection with previous acts of 
liberality for the same purpose, the total of land grants in the 
interest of education amounted to 78,576,79-1 acres. If ex- 
tended to the eleven Territories when admitted to the Union, 
the aggregate will reach the magnificent endowment of 
79,566,794 acres, or 124,323 square miles. This area of terri- 
tory is greater tlian that of the whole of the British Isles, and 
over half the area of Imperial Germany or France. Or, valued 
at the Government price of $1 25 per acre, makes a donation 
of $99,458,492 50. All the nations in Christendom put to- 
gether have not done so much for the education and future 
happiness of their people. The idea of using the public do- 
main for educational purposes is not modern. In 1823 it was 
a subject of inquiry in the House of Kepresentatives, the 
proposition being to set apart a portion of this income to be 
distributed for the promotion of education in the several 
States. In 1824 a resolution was submitted in the same 
House to the effect that all money received from these sales 
ought to be appropriated exclusively for the support of com- 
mon schools and the construction of roads and canals. In 
1826 Mr. Dickinson in the Senate reported a similar resolu- 
tion, but without success. Out of the aid later afforded sprung 
the common-school system of the interior NW. 

On March 2, 1867, Congress created a Department of Edu- 
cation, for the purpose of collecting such statistics and facts 
as show the condition and progress of education in the several 
States and Territories, and of diffusing such information re- 
specting the organization and management of schools and 
school s.ystems and methods of teaching as may aid the people 
of the United States in the establishment and maintenance 
of efficient schools, and of otherwise promoting the cause 
of education throughout tlie country. The management of 
the department was intrusted to a Commissioner appointed 
bj" the President and confirmed by the Senate. 

The Commissioner was required to report annually to Con- 
gress the results of his investigations and labors, together 
with a statement of such facts and recommendations as would 
in his judgment subserve the purposes for which the depart- 
ment was established. The next year Congress reduced the 
department to a bureau, to be called the " Offices of Educa- 
tion," under the directions of the Secretary of the Interior. 



144 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 

Survey of the Territories.— Office NW. corner of Pennsyl- 
vania av. and 11th st. NW., second floor, entrance outside, on 
11th St. {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to 3 p. 
m.) Hei'e will be found a complete and interestino; collec- 
tion of photographs of tlie wonders of the unknown West, by 
W. H. Jackson, and taken during the various expeditions con- 
ducted under tlie command and scientific direction of Dr. F. 
V. Hayden and business management of Captain James Ste- 
venson, his associate. The collection includes the Yellow- 
stone region, Utah. Wj^oming, and Colorado, and 1,000 neg- 
atives illustrative of Indians and Indian life. Also, sketches 
by W. H. Holmes, and maps by J. T. Gardner. The United 
States geological surveys of the Tervitories, Dr. F. V. Hayden 
in charge, inaugurated in 1867, under the Department of the 
Interioi", liave been continued from year to year by annual 
appropriations, and have constituted not only a most inter- 
esting and valuable but important national undertaking. 
These surveys have covered N^ebraska, Kansas, Colorado, 
K"ew Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. The Great 
Geyser basin and other wonders of the Yellowstone region, 
and the sublime mountain area of Colorado, were first brought 
within the i-ange of geographical science by these expeditious. 
The publications of these surveys are received with satisfac- 
tion by scientific men and societies in America and Europe, 
and embrace a vast amount of scientific material and prac- 
tical information fresh from the vast regions hitherto appro- 
priately termed the unknown West. 

Secretaries of the Interior. — 1849, Thomas Ewing, Ohio; 
1850, Thos. M. T. McKenna, Penna. ; 1850, A. H. H. Stuar, 
Ya.; 1853, Kobert McClelland, Mich.; 1857, J. Thompson, 
Miss.; 1861, C. B. Smith, Ind.; 1863, J. P. Usher, Ind. ; 
1865, James Harlan, lo. ; 1866, O. H. Browning, Els. ; 1869, 
J. D. Cox, Ohio ; 1871, Columbus Delano, Ohio. 

The act of Mar. 3, 1849, created a home department, to be 
called the Department of the Interior, the head of which was 
to be calle^d the Secretary of the Interior, to be appointed by 
the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. This 
officer was to hold by the same tenure and receive the same 
salary as the secretaries of the other executive departments. 
The various branches of the public service under the admin- 
istration of the department have been given. The Secretary 
of the Interior is ex officio a member of the Cabinet of the 
President. 



PATENT OFFICE. 



145 



PATENT OFFICE. 

The Patent Office occupies two squares, extenclino; from 
7tli to 9tli sts. W. and from F to G sts. iST., and is about equi- 
distant from the capitol and the President's House. It may 
be reached from either by the ISIctropolitan or F-st. horse rail- 
way. The 7th-st. Iiorse cars pass it on the E. The rnain en- 
trance is 071 F St., and fronts Sth st. facing south. 




PATENT OITICE. 



Description. — This immense pile, situated on the reserva- 
tion set apart in the old plan of the city for the ISTational 
Church or IMausoleum, is pure Grecian Doric, of massive pro- 
portions, and measures 453 ft. from E. to W. and 331 ft. from 
ISr. to S., including the projections of the portico, and has an 
elevation of 75 ft.", surmounted by an acroteria. The build- 
ing contains 191 rooms and cost $2,700,000. The reservation 
(8) upon which it stands embraces 4^ a., and the structure 
itself covers 2| a. 

The original structure^ commenced in 1837 and finished in 1842, was 270 ft. front 
on F St. and 70 ft. deep, or 150 ft. includiug S. portico and N. apse, and was built of 
freestone from the Government quarries at Aquia Creek. It was designed by W. P. 
Elliott, (Elliott & Town, engineers) and executed by Robert Mills. The E. Wing 
was authorized in 1849, commenced by Robert Mills, who was succeeded in 1851 by 
Edvvard Clark, then assistant and later architect of the Capitol, who completed the 
building in 1S64. It consists of two wings, on the E. and W., and an intervening 
building on the N., corresponding with the old structure on the S., the whole form- 
ing on an interior quadrangle 265 ft. by 135 ft. The E. Wing was occupied by the 
Secretary of the Interior in 1853 The new portions of the building are of Mary- 
land marble on the exterior and New England granite on the quadrangle. The 

"lO 



146 PATENT OFFICE. 

original building is painted white to harmonize with the extension. The edifice 
rests on a sub-base of granite, above which is a basement of the material of the super- 
structure^ after which rises the order, pierced with two stories of windows, the 
whole surmounted by an acroteria to correspond with the earlier portion of the 
structure. The exterior is entirely without display. The absence of ornament 
about the windows will be observed. A depression in the configuration of the site 
of the building brings the sub-basement into view on 9th st. On 7th st. the level is 
on a line with the basement. Between the streets and the building on the S. E. and 
W. are small lawns and evergreens. 

On the S., facing 8th st. W., is an imposing' jtjor^i^o, ap- 
proaclied by a lofty flight of granite steps which abut against 
proportionate blockings of the same material. The portico 
rests on a substruction of masonry, and is composed of two 
TOWS of 8 Doric columns, fluted, G ft. in diameter fTnd 32 ft. 
liigh, raised in sections and flanked by immense pilasters. 
It is modeled after the Parthenon, or Temple of Minei'va, at 
Athens, and is of the same dimensions. A careful study of 
Its proportions must impress the beholder Avith its grandeur. 
On the E. i^ii portico of a single row of six columns, and also 
reached from the street by a grand flight of steps. On the 
^. is a portico of 8 columns in a single row. The steps here 
do not ascend to the order, but to the base of the line of piers 
upon which the portico stands. From this a door enters the 
iDasement. On the W. the portico corresponds with thac on 
the E., with the absence of the steps to the order, in this case 
the ascent being by a double flight to the basement. In the 
E. Wing there are 4 doors entering the basement, 2 of which 
are on the K. and S. 

From the main portico a door opens into a spacious en- 
trance hall or vestibule^ with an arched ceiling groined on 8 
Doric colums and 10 pilasters. On the r. and 1. runs a coi^- 
ridor^ which extends entirelj'' around the main floor of the 
'building, and upon which open the various offices of the De- 
partment of the Interior. In the SE. angle is that of the 
Commissioner of Patents. Here will be found a set of en- 
gravings of the Commissioners, including a portrait of Dr. 
^William Thornton., of Penn., designer of the original plan of 
the Capitol, and Superintendent of Patents in t^he State De- 
partment, 1803-1827. There is also a veiy valuable portrait 
of Robert Fultoji, of Penn., one of the inventors of the steam- 
boat, and painted by himself. Fulton studied under Benja- 
min West, of Penn., 'president of the Eoyal Academy of Fine 
Arts, London. There are alio 8 artist proof engravings of 
celebrated inventors from original paintings in the collection 
of and presented by B. Woodcroft, of the Great Seal Patent 
Office, London. The rooms of the Secretaiij of the Interior., 
the Indian, Pension, and Census Offices, are on the N. cor- 
ridor, the Office of Public Lands in the SW. angle, and the 



PATENT OFFICE. 



147 



Patent Office Library on the S. corridor, room 77, near and 
on the W. of tlie entrance liall. The visitor can make the 
entire circuit of the building by this corridor. (See Depart- 
ment of the Interior.) In each angle are granite steps to the 
basement, where are offices and storage vaults. From the S. 
entrance and vestibule a double flight of steps leads to the 
Museum of Models of the Patent Office ; beneath this to the 
basement. 

Museum of Models. — (Open every day^ except Sundays 
and holidays, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) This interesting 
collection of American and foreign inventions, patented 
under the laws of the United States, embraces upwards 
of 155,000 models, accumulated since the fire of 1836, and 
divided into 145 general clases, and nearly 8,000 relevant 
subdivisions. The Museum occupies a suite of four magnifi- 
cent halls on the four sides of the building, second floor. 
Each case contains an index card. 

See Keim's Illustrated Guide to the Museum of 
Models, Patent Office, for a catalogue of models and 
historv of tlie most notable inventions. 




Co/ivright, 1874, DeB. R. Keim. 

SOUTH HALL MODEL MUSEUM, PATENT OFFICE. 



148 PATENT OFFICE. 

S. Hall^ (entrance.) — This is a superb apartment, 242 ft. 
long by 63 ft. ^^•ide and 30 ft. high. The prospect is broken 
by 36 doric columns in quadruple rows, with their entablature, 
20 ft. high, and corresponding pilasters, which support a se- 
ries of groined arches of 10 ft. spring, artistically adjusted to 
secure both solidity and effect. In the centre is a raised arch 
40 ft. high, of beautiful construction, and pierced by an aper- 
ture of 13 ft. in diameter. This part of the ceiling is admi- 
rably adapted to harmonize the range of arches on cither side 
with the main design. The entire complicated structure of 
the room is of solid masonry. The general style of decora- 
tion is Fompeiian, with appropriate adaptation. The iron 
stairwaj' opposite the door leads to a storage room over the S.^ 
portico, used for documents. ^NTear the entrance door are a 
immber of relics of historic value and interest. On the r. is 
the printing-press of Franklin, at which he worked in London 
in 1728. The case, nearly opposite, (No. 24,) contains a num- 
ber of Washington relics, including a set of china and cande- 
labra, pi-escnted to him by officers" of the Society of the Cin- 
cinnati; one plate to Martha Washington from Gen. Lafayette, 
1781 ; the uniform of Washington, worn when he resigned 
his commission in 1783 ; a tea-board presented him, and his 
sword, secretary, cane, compass, and sleeping-tent. Among 
other relics in the same case is the coat worn by Jackson at 
the battle of iSTew Orleans; Baron de Kalb's war saddle; a 
sword presented to Commodore Biddle by the Viceroy of 
Feru ; sabres from Ali Faclia, Bey of Egypt, to the officers 
of the U. S. ship Concord, 1832 ; a coat of Gen. Faez, associ- 
ate of Simon Bolivar, and a cimeter. The case (ISTo. 23) next 
on the W. contains the original of the Declaration of Inde- 
pejidence, Washington's commission as commander-in-chief, 
dated at Philadelphia, June 19, 1775, treasure chest, furni- 
ture, part of a set, tents and tent poles, camp chest, andirons, 
curtains worked by Martha Washington, and two chairs. In 
the same case are U\o guns of antique pattern, presented to 
President Jefferson by the Emperor of Morocco, a model pat- 
ented by Abraham Lincoln in 1847, for an improved method 
of lifting vessels over shoals ; also a pair of gloves which be- 
longed to President Lincoln. In the S. hall are 57 cases con- 
taining models of artiticial limbs, beer and wine, bleaching 
and dyeing, boots and shoes, caoutchouc, chemical miscella- 
neous, clasps and buckles, claj', coffin, cutlery, dental, draft- 
ing, electricit}^ fuel, gas, gunpowder, harness, horology, hose 
an"d belting, ice, leather, manures, measuring-instriunents, 
oils, fats and glue, optics, paint, plating, preserving food, 
signals, stills, sugai-, surgery, tanning, trunks. This hall was 
originally intendtnl for an exhibition of liome manufactures 



PATENT OFFICE. 



149 



This hall was originally intended for an exhibition of home manufactures. In 
1842 it was set apart for the valuable collections in natural history brought back by 
the expedition of Commodore, afterwards Rear Admiral, Charles Wilkes. These 
were subsequently transferred to the National Museum in the Smithsonian building. 
Later the plants, herbarium, and crania were transferred to the Botanical Garden 
and Agricultural and Medical Museums respectively. In the hall were also a num- 
ber of interesting objects possessing historical associations, contributed by the vari- 
ous executive departments, or belonging to the National Institute, founded 1840, 
incorporated ^842, and expired 1858. 




^J4. NICHOLS, so. 

Copyright^ 1874, DeB. R. Keim. 

EAST HALL MODEL MUSEUM, PATENT OFFICB. 

E. Hall.^On the 1. the S. hall opens into the E. hall, 271 
ft. long and 63^ ft. wide. The groined arches of the ceiling 
rest upon 28 marble piers and a requisite number of pilasters. 
It contains 130 cases, containing models of apparel, beds, 
boats, book-binding, builders' hardware, carding, cloth, cord- 
age,crinoline and corsets, dryers and kilns, educational, felt- 
ing and hats, fine arts, fire-arms, fishing, furniture, games and 
toys, governors, jewelry, kitchen utensils, knitting and net- 
ting, lamps and gas-fitting, laundry, locks and latches, music, 
ordnance, paper-making, paper manufactures, photography, 
printing, projectiles, safes, sewing machines, ships, (2 classes,) 
silk, spinning, stationery, steam, (3 classes,) stoves and fur- 
naces, toilet, umbrellas and fans, valves, weaving. 



150 



PATENT OFFICE. 




Copyright, 1874: DeB. E.Keim. , 

KORTH AND WEST HALLS MODEL MUSEUM, PATENT OFFIS. 

N. Hall, reached from the E. hall, is 266 ft. lon;^ by 59 J 
wide. The vast room is covered by a paneled ceiling com- 
posed of iron g^irders, and entirely without support in the hall. 
The number of cases here are 88, containing models of aera- 
tion and bottling, baths and closets, bee hives, bolts, nuts, 
and rivets, brakes and gins, casting, dairy, files, garden and 
orchard, grinding and polishing, hardware manufacture, har- 
rows, harvesters, horse shoes, metallurgy, metal working, (7 
classes,) mills, nails, needles and pins, ores, plows, pneumat- 
ics, pumps, railways, (4 classes,) saws, seeders and planters, 
sheet metal, stabling, tubing and wire, water distribution, 
water wheels, wire-working, wood-screws, wood-working, (4 
classes.) 

W. Hall is 271 ft. long, 64 ft. wide, and is the same in gen- 
eral design as the N". It contains models of bridges, brushes 
and brooms, butchering, carpentry, carriages and wagons, 
excavators, fences, glass, hoisting, hydraulic engineering, 
journals and bearings, raasonrj'^, mechanical powers, paving, 
presses, roofing, stone, lime and cement, threshing, tobacco. 

OommissionerS of Patents. — i8j6, Henry L. Ellsworth, Conn.; 1845; 
Edmund Burke, Vt. ; 1849, Thomas Ewbank, N. Y. ; 1852, S. H. Hodges, Vt. ; 
1853, R. C. Weightman, D. C, (acting;) 185 j, Charles Mason, Iowa; 1857, 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 151 

Samuel T. Shugcit, Pcnn , ("acting;) 1857, Joseph Holt, Ky. ; 1859, S. T. Shugert, 
Penn., (^acting;) 1859, William D. Bishop, Conn.; i860, Philip F. Thomas, 
Md. ; i860, Samuel T. Shugert, Penn, (acting;) 1861, D. P. HoUowav, Ind.; 
1865. T. C. Theaker, Ohio; 1868, A. M. Stout, Ky., (acting;) i863, S. H. Hodges, 
Vt., (acting;) 1868, E. Foote, N. Y. ; 1869, S. S. Fisher, Ohio; 1870, Samuel L. 
Duncan, N. H., (acting;) 1871, Mortimer D. Leggctt, Ohio; 1874, J. M. Thacher, 
Vt'. 

History- — The Patent Office of the United States, where models of all invea- 
tions patented since the fire of i8?6 are carefully preserved for reference and exhibi- 
tion, is an institution without an equal in the world, and speaks more for the high, 
character and practical basis of the American mind than could be expressed in vol- 
umes of written history or description. Wc are able here to trace, in practical detail,, 
the progress of mechanical arts in the United States, since i8]6, and but for the un- 
fortunate destruction of the early models, this same interesting investigation could 
be carried back to the beginning of the Government. The first legislation in Con- 
gress on the subject of inventions was the act of 1790 to promote the progress of use- 
ful arts, which authorized any person to petition the heads of any of the executive- 
departments for a patent for any new invention. The patents were then recorded' 
in the office of the Secretary of State. 

The rapid increase in the number of inventions early led Congress into speciaL 
provisions for the accommodation of the Patent Office. In 1810 the erection or pur- 
chase of a suitable building for the use of the General Post Office and keeper of the 
patents and arrangement of the models was authorized. Under this authority a 
structure known as Blodgett's Hotel, on the E. st side of the present site of the Gea- 
cral Post Office, was secured. Up to i8io all applications for patents were exam- 
ined by a clerk in the office of the Secretary of State. In that year Dr. Thornton.,, 
appointed by President Jefferson to issue patents, took upon himself the title of 
Superintendent of the Patent Office. Under the act of July 4, iS:j6,, the Pateat 
Office was created a separate bureau in the Department of the Interior,,and its chiei 
officer received the title of Commissioner of Patents. 

On Dec. 15, 18 j6, the building then occupied was completely consumed by firc„ 
and among the losses were the models accumulated during a half century,, and aum^- 
bering upwards of 4,000. This was an irreparable calamity. After the fire the busi- 
ness of the bureau was transacted in the City Hall, now the District Court Housc^ 
and remained there until it was removed to its present edifice. 

The first patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins on July ji, lygOy ''^for makiag 
pot or pearl ashes." No residence is given. 

Up to )8j6, 46 years, io,joi patents were issued, and to date over i.55,poo.. Tht 
annual number of patents granted is about ij,ooo. 

The patent fund, from excess of fees over expenditures, amoanits to about $800,- 
000. The annual receipts arc about $700,000, and expenditures. $660^000. A, con- 
siderable sum out of the patent fund went to the erection of the building. 



GENEKAL POST OFFICE. 

The General Post Office {open every day^ except Sunday^ 
from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) stands opposite the Patent Office^ 
on F St., and covers the square between 7th and 8th sts. W. 
and E and F sts. I^T. It may be reached by the F-st. horse 
cars from the E. and W., and those on 7th st. from, the N^ 
and S. parts of the city. 

The Bnilding occupied by the General Post Office is Cor- 
inthian. The E St. portion was commenced in 1839, and 
finished by Robert Mills, architect, and constructed of marble 
from !N"e"w York quarries. In 1842 Congi-ess purchased the 



152 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 



N". half of the square to F st., and in 1855 the extension of the 
buildini^ over that space was executed b}^ Captain M. C. 
Meigs, United States Eng-ineers, superintendent, and Edward 
Clark, assistant, from designs by T, U. Waiter, architect of 
the Capitol, and was built out of Maryland marble. As tlius 
completed, the building measures 300 ft. N". and S., and 204 
ft. E. and W., and has two stories, resting on a rustic base- 
ment, below which are vaults. In tlie centre is a court 194 
ft. long by 95 ft. wide. The fapades are of white marble. 
The court is faced witli granite. Above the basement rise 
the various features of the order, including monolithic col- 
umns and pilasters, with beautifully-worked capitals, the 
-whole extending tlirough two stories, upon whicli rest the 
architrave, frieze, and cornice, crowned by a paneled acro- 
teria. The main front is on E st. The S. or main entrance 
is in the basement, reached by marble steps, and is formed 
of two Doric columns, one on either side, and opens into a 
vestibule, on the r. and 1. of wdiich are corridors, leading to 
marble staircases to the upper stories. Over this entrance 
are four attaclied columns of the Corinthian order. The E. 
front is broken by a central projection of six columns, the 
outer ones being coupled; and on eitlier side, towards the 
extremities of this front, is a smaller projection of four at- 
tached columns, coupled. Beneath the central projection is 




GENERAL POST OFFICK. 

a vestibule, supported on four Doric columns and four corner 
piers. The ceiling, walls, and floor are finished in wliite 
marble, and on eitlier side is a niche. The W. fi-ont is the 
same as tlie E. A carriageway liere opens into the court, 
where tlie mails are received and despatched. Th keystone 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 153 

of the arch of this entrance is intended to represent Fidelity. 
On either side are figures in basso relievo, symbolizing Steam 
and Electricity. 

The IS", front presents a recessed portico, consisting of 8 
coupled columns resting on an arcade of rustic piers corres- 
ponding with the basement. There are entrances to the 
general office on the r. and 1. of the central arcade, and from 
which passages or steps lead to the corridors on the same floor 
or above. The corridors are on three sides only. The build- 
ing cost $1,700,000. 

The Postmaster Genei-aVs office is on the floor above the 
basement, S. side of S. coi-ridor. Here may be seen a set of 
photographs of the Postmasters General. The Dead Letter 
office is on the N. side, entered from the IST. end of the E. 
corridor through a passage or anteroom. To gain admission 
it will be necessary to procure a permit from the chief clerk 
of the Finance oflSce, on the same floor and in the SW. angle. 
The building contains 81 rooms. The stairways are in the 
angles of the building. 

City Post Office. — The City Post Ofl^ice occupies the cen- 
tral portions of the :N'. front. The Letter Delivery and Stamp 
department is entered through the 3 arched doorways under 
the ]Sr. portico. The ceiling, which is of iron and brick, is 
supported on granite piers. The doors on the r. and 1., out- 
side, before entering, lead, in addition to the corridors and 
stairways, to the Chief Clerk's and Money Order and Regis- 
tered Letter ofiices respectively. (See General Information.) 

History. — Before the erection of the present edifice the 
General Post Office occupied a building which stood on the 
S. half of the square, known as Blodgett's Union Public 
Hotel. It was 120 ft. long, 50 ft. Avide, and 3 stories high; 
designed by James Hoban, and built of brick, ornamented 
with freestone. It was commenced in 1793. The structure, 
however, was never completed by its projector. The plan 
was to erect it out of the proceeds of a lottery. The owner 
of the prize ticket was an orphan child, Avho was without the 
means of carrying on the work. Tho theatre of the national 
metropolis held performances in it for a time. A number of 
Irish and other emigrants also occupied the basement free of 
rent. In 1810 it was purchased by the Government. After 
tlie burning of the Capitol, Congress held one session in it as 
the only suitable building in the city. It was also occupied 
by the General and City Post Offices, Patent Ofiice, and Li- 
brary of Congress. The latter was removed to the Capitol 
in 1818. The building and contents were entirely destroyed 



154 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 

by fire on Dec. 15, 1836. Private buildings were subsequently occupied till 
the completion of the present structure. 

Postmasters General. — 1789, Samuel Osgood, Mass ; 1791, Timothy 
Pickering, Mass.; 1795, Joseph Habersham, Ga.; 1802, Gideon Granger, 
Conn.; 1814, R. J. Meigs, Ohio ; 1823, John McLean, Ohio; 1829, W. T. 
Barry, Ky.; 1835, Amos Kendall, Ky.; 1840, J. M. Niles, Conn.; 1841, Fran- 
cis Granger, N. Y.; 1841, C. A. Wickliffe, Ky.; 1845, Cave Johnson, Tenn.; 
1849, Jacob Collamer, Vt.: 1850, N. K. Hall, N. Y.; 1852, S. D. Hubbard, 
Conn.; 1853, James Campbell, Penn.; 1857, A. V. Brown, Tenn.; 1859, J. 
Holt Ky.; 1861, Horatio King, Me.; 1861, Montgomery Blair, Md.; 1864, 
W. Dennison, Ohio ; 1866, A. W. Randall, Wis.; 1869, J. A. J. Cresswell, 
Md.; 1874, Marshall Jewell, Conn. 

The General Post Office. — On Sept. 22, 1789, Congress passed an act 
for the temporary establishment of the Post Office, with the same power as 
under the Confederation. In 1792 a "General Post Office" was permanently 
established, under immediate direction of a Postmaster General, who was 
authorized to provide for carrying the mail of the United States "by stage- 
carriages or horses " From this primitive beginning the operations of the 
General Post Office have expanded to a degree fully up to the requirements 
of the increased population and intelligence of the people. 

The Postmaster General, appointed by and responsible to the President, is 
ex-officio a member of the Cabinet. Previous to 1829 he was not so recognized. 
The precedent was established by President Jackson, who invited Postmaster 
General Barry to a seat in the Cabinet. 



DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 

The Department of Justice lOjoen every day, except Sun- 
day, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) occupies the upper floors of a 
fine building on Pennsj^lvania av., between 15 and \bh 
sts., and opposite the Treasury Department, erected by 
the Freedmen's Savings and Trust Company. The entrance 
is at the W. end, S. front. f 

Objects of Interest. — The Gallery of Paintings of the 
Attorneys General of the United States, is in the Attorney 
General's room, S. E. corner 2d floor, in the Assistant At- 
torney General's rooms, No. 9 and 15, and the Solicitor 
General's room. No. 11,' all 3d floor. The portrait of Ed- 
mund Randolph, of Va., the first on the list, is from an 
original. That of William Pinkney, of Md,, is from Peale. 

Attorneys General. — 1789, Edmund Randolph, Va.; 1794, William Brad- 
ford, Penn.; 1795, Charles Lee, Va.; i&oi, Levi Lincoln, Mass.; 1805, Robert 
Smith, Md.; 1805, John Breckenridge, Ky.; 1807, Csesar A. Rodney, Del.: 
181T, William Pinkney, Md.; 1814, Richard Rush, Penn.; 1817, William Wirt, 
Va.; 1829, J. M. Berrien, Ga.; 1831, Roger B. Taney, Md.; 1833, B. F. 
Butler, N. Y.; r838, Felix Grundy, Tenn.: 1840, H. D. Gilpin, Penn.; i84i» 
J. J. Crittenden, Ky.: 1841, H. S. Legar6, S. C.; 1843, John Nelson, Md.; 
1845, John Y. Mason, Va.; 1846, Nathan Clifford, Me.; 1848, Isaac Toucey, 
Conn.; 1849, Reverdy Johnson, Md.; 1850, J. J. Crittenden, Ky.; 1853^ 
Caleb Gushing, Mass.; 1857, Jer. S. Black, Penn.; i860, E. M. Stanton,. 
Penn.; 1861, Edward Bates, Mo.; 1864 James Speed, Ky.; 1866, Henry 
Stanbery, Ohio; 1868, W. M. Evarts, N. Y. ; 1869, E. ^Hoar. Mass.; 
1870, A. T. A|kerman, Ga.; 1872, G. H. Williams, Oregon;. 1875, Edwards 
Pierpont, N. Y. 



DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 



155 



History of the Department.— This Executive Deparimenf. of which the 
Attorney General is the head, was created by act of Congress approved Jure 
j2, 1870. All prosecutions on behalf of the Government are conaucted by this 
department. The Attorney General reports annually to Congress- the business 
of his department, and any other matters appertaining thereto that he deems 
proper, including statistics of crime under the laws of the United States, and 
as far as practicable, under the laws of the several States. The Attorney 




DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 

(Freedman's Bank Rented,) 
General is also required to give his advice and opinion upon all questions of 
law, when asked for by the President of the United States, or when requested 
by the heads of the Executive Departments. He is appointed by the Presi- 
dent, and is ex officio a member of his Cabinet. 

Under the Attorney General are the officers of the District and Circuit 
Courts of the United States, the Reform School, Metropolitan Police, and Jail 
of the District of Columbia, and the law officers of the different departments. 



156 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



DEPAKTMENT OF AGEICULTUKE. 

The Department of Agriculture {open daily ^ except Sunday^ 
from 9 a.m. to dp. m.) occupies that portion of the Mall lying 
E. of 14th St., and between the Washington Monument and 
the Smithsonian Institution . Tlie building commands a view 
of the business quarter of the city, and in turn itself makes a 
fine appearance from 13th st. W., which it faces. 

Grrounds. — The grounds in the immediate vicinity of the 
building are beautifully laid out. On the N". front is a con- 
creted surface the entire length of the building, and 50 ft. 
wide, which makes a spacious can-iageway to the main en- 
trance, and is also used by pedestrians. A terrace w^all 
about 4 ft. high, ornamented with stone balusters and pedi- 
ments with plant vases, runs the length and parallel with 
the front of the building, and at a distance of about 100 yds. 
At each extremity of the wall is a small iron pavUion of 
suitable design. The terrace divides what are known as the 
Upper and hower Gardens. The former is laid out in beds, 
with intervening walks, and is devoted to flowers, vases, and 
rustic statuary. The lower, and all the grounds lying in 
front of the building line, with the exception of the flower 
garden, have been laid out as an ai^boretum^ with walks and 
drives, and a well-selected collection of the hardier trees and 
shrubs. The flower garden contains no shade trees, which 
affbrds an unbroken view of the building. The trees and 
plants in the arboretum are planted on strictly botanical 
rules, the order and tribe of plants being grouped. The 
effect, however, by careful arrangement of the blending, 
types is peculiarly atttactive, and has not the formal appear- 
ance of a scientific classification. 

The collection embraces 1,600 species of plants. In the 
rear of the department building and plant houses are the 
Experimental Grounds., covering about 10 a., those Ijing in 
the rear of the plant houses being set apart for experimental 
gardening, and those in the rear of the building, and occu- 
pying the SE. angle of the enclosure, for the experimental 
orchards and stables and j^ard. The object of these grounds 
is for testing varieties of small fruits, seeds, and for the prop- 
agation and culture of hardy plants. Along portion of the 
K. line of the grounds, commencing at the W., are artificial 
lakes, rivers^ and swamps, for the cultivation of type varieties 
of water and marsh plants. The plans for the grading and 
laying out of the grounds were prepared and carried into 




'^Mzmm^^wtmm 



158 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



execution in 1868, by William Saunders, of Penn., Superin- 
tendejit of Gardens and Grounds. (Also see Plant Houses.) 
The Department Building, designed by Adolph Cluss, ar- 
chitect, and completed in 1868, is of the renaissance style, 170 
ft. long by 61 ft. deep, with a finished basement, three full 
stories and Mansard roof. It \vas erected by contract, under 
the superintencence of the architect, is constructed of pressed 
brick, with brown-stone bases, belts, cornices, and trimmings, 
and cost, including apparatus for laboratory, $140,420. The 
front presents a centre building with main entrances, and is 
flanked by two wings. 




DEPARTMENT OF AGEICULTTTBE — FIRST FLOOR. 

A. Main Entrance. — Doors, oak and ash woods Vestibule, 20 ft. square and 
l6 ft. high. Floors, encaustic tiles of chaste design. Walls, paneled in encaustic 
paint. Ceilings, in frescoe, representing an arbor of vine foliage held by American 
eagles, with outspread wings. Ornamentation in arabesque, mingled with four 
medallions, illustrating, in landscape, light and shade and human figures, the four 
seasons of the year, divisions of the day, and ages of man. 

B. Main Staircase leading to the second floor and Museum of Agriculture. 

C and D. Private Stairs to the second floor and passage to cloak rooms and closets. 
The vestibule (A) opens into a wide corridor, from which the various offices, 20 ft. 
square, are entered. 

1. Ante Room, finished in bird's eye maple and black walnut, in panels, and 
represents a fine specimen of the application of wood to walls, known as " wood- 
hanging." 

2. Commissioner of Agriculture, finished in panels of bird's eye maple, bor- 
dered by friezes in mahogany and blistered walnut, alternating with paneled 
pilasters in mahogany and satin wood, all parted by curley maple, and relieved by 
a tracing of gilt. 

3. Private Office of Commissioner. The friezes are of birch, borders of 
black walnut, and panels of mountain ash. 

4. Library, A tastefully finished apartment, supplied with mahogany cases. 
The collection of works, S,ooo vols., forms the most complete agricultural library in 
the. United States, and comprises nearly all the standard works on agriculture and 
kindred sciences, reports of all the State boards of agriculture, and agricultural, horti- 
cultural, and pomological societies, and the transactions of the leading agricultural 
and scientific associations of England, France, Germany, and Italy. The object of 



DEPARTMENT OP AGRTCULTTTRE. 



1&9 



th* Hhrary is for reference and used in the extensive correspondence of the Depart- 
ment. Persons interested are permitted to consult works, but not to take them 
from the room. Among the most inttresting works is a set, 14 vols., on botany, 
illustrating the flora of Central Europe, published in Vienna, and presented by the 
Emperor of Austria. There are also portraits of a number of personages, among 
the number Marshall P. Wilder, of Boston, the distinguished horticulturist. 

5 to 8. Clerks' Rooms,' finished in encaustic oil paint, plain, with frescoed 
ceilings. 

9. Chemist and Microcopist Room, is supplied with cases containing a collec- 
tion of minerals having an agricultural value. The chemist makes analyses of soils, 
fertilizers, and agricultural productions. The results are recorded for future refer- 
ence. The microscopist examines and reports upon the diseases of plants. 

10. Balance Room, contains a variety of balances used in the chemical work. 

11. Laboratory, supplied with chemicals and other apparatus used in chemical 
experiments. A private stairway leads to the basement below, in which are fur- 
nances, ovens, and other necessary conveniences. The equipment of the Laboratory 
is very complete. 

12. File Room. 

I J and^i4. Clerk's Room, finished in encaustic paint. 



20 



21 



H 



l~3 



19 



i-i 15 n 



IS 


n 


DC 


■' 


*^H 




LJ 



DEPARTMENT OF AGKICULTUBE, SECOND FLOOK. 

A. Stairs to the Botanical Museum, Taxidermist^ s, and Modeler^ s Rooms. 

B. Stairs to clerk's rooms. 

15. Museum of Agriculture. — Opposite the main entrance below, a double 
flight of stairs of wrought and cast iron, lighted by a large stained-glass window, 
leads to the second floor, and into the Museum of Agriculture. On the first landing 
is Ji plank izxty^, ft from the giant redwood tree of California. The Museum Hall 
occupies the main building, and is 102 ft. long, 52 ft. wide, and 27 ft. high. A coved 
stuccoed cornice extends around the hall, broken at regular intervals by brack- 
ets^ in which are wrought busts of Indians. The cove is ornamented by flowers and 
fruits, with medallion shields bearing the arms of the United States, and the States 
of the Union in 1868 in their chronological order. The cfj/Zn^ is divided into 15 
panels, embellished with rosettes. A soft color, harmonizing with the ornamenta- 
tion of the hall, is employed generally on the -walls. For the accommodation and 
security of the agricultrual collection, the hall has been supplied with dust-proof wa/- 
nut cases of chaste design. 

The Museum (which will be explained by an attendant) shows the agricultural 
productions of the United States, and manufactures therefrom, also how the former 
are affected by climate, insects, birds, and animals— injurious and beneficial. It is 
divided into general. State, and economic. The general division illustrates the his- 
tory of agricultural products. The fruits and vegetables are modeled in plaster of 
Paris, and colored in oil, to represent nature. The State and economic divisions, 
when completed, will show in a single case the mineral and agricultural productions, 



160 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

and economic substances manufactured therefrom, of each State. The principal ob- 
ject of the museum is utility, to include all the products of agriculture, and bearihg 
upon the increase of knowledge in that important branch of industry. 

In the centre of the hall is a table of California redwood jxiz ft. finished in other 
native woods, and presented by gentlemen in California. The vase on the table is 
made of Coquina or Florida shell rock from St. Augustine, Florida, taken from the 
foundation of the residence of the early Spanish colonial governors. 

Cases North Range commencing on the W. The shelf numbers count from 
below. The injurious birds have a perch with a partly black end, znd beneficial., white. 

1. Not yet erected. It is proposed, hov/cver, to place this case shortly. 

2. I, American ducks; i, American small birds^ arranged to show benefit or in- 
jury, with contents of stomachs in small boxes; 3, American hawks and owls. 

3. I, animals — domestic and farm pests; 2, American game birds; 3, gulls and 
aquatic birds. 

4 Domestic poultry. 

5. I, Fish — prepared skins; 2 and 3, foreign game birds that can be or have been 
domesticated. 

6. A case has been prepared for this space, and will be erected at once. 
7, _ Foreign game birds. 

g. California products and miscellaneous specimens. 
g. Grains and cereals — native 

10. Grains and cereals — native. The middle and upper shelves arranged hy - 
States. 

11. I and 2, Temporary case of botanical specimens. 

12. I, Vegetable fibres — cotton. 

Cases South Range commencing on the E. 
12. Foreign woods, &c. 

13; I and 2, Foreign grains, collected at the Paris Exposition 1867; J, miscella- 
neous. 

14. I, Petroleum, tobacco; 2, sugar, syrups, &c., Indian foods; 3, farinaceous 
products, gums, resins, &c. 

15. I Chinese paper; 2, American and foreign paper and paper-making mate- 
rials; 3, Japanese paper. 

16. Silk from egg to manufactured goods of highest quality. 

17. I, Animal fibres, angora wool; 2, vegetable fibres, ramie and aloes; 3, vege- 
table fibres, miscellaneous. 

18. I, Vegetable fibres, cotton; 2, flax, flax cotton, aselepias; 3, New Zealand 
flax, agaue fibre and miscellaneous tropical fibres. In a case against the wall is a fine 
specimen of the cotton plant. 

19. The case designed for this space has not yet been erected. 

Centre of the Hall, commencing on the west, 

20. I, Tropical fruits — southern apples; 2, apples, (models.) 

21. I, Vegetables:, (models;) 2, apples and pears, (models.; 

22. I, Vegetable, apples, fish, (models;) 2, pears, (models.) 

23. I, Vegetables and fruits, (models ;) 2, miscellaneous fruits and vegetables, 
(models,) fungi; (models and natural.) 

The f>lan of the museum was suggested and carried into operatiou by Townend 
Glover, entomologist of the Department. 

16. Statistician. — Here the monthly and annual reports and statistical informa- 
tion are compiled. 

17. Clerks of the Statistical Division. 

18. Ladies' Retiring Room. 
IQ Clerks 

20. Cabinet of Entomology. — Tne room, 20 x 30 ft., is supplied with suitable 
walnut cases. The collection comprises the insects of -the United States injurious 
and beneficial to agriculture, arranged scientifically, for reference. In the open 
cases is a small collection of insects for exhibition, and specimens of insect injury. 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



161 



mnd architecture^ both ex- 
ceedingly interesting. 
The walls are hung with 
a'scries of about ^oo plates, 
by Prof. Townend Glo- 
ver, illustrating the insects 
in the cabinet. 

21. Entomologist's 
Private Room. 

On the third floor, E. 
wing, reachrd from A, 
plan of the second floor, 
is the Botanical Museum. 
It is supplied with appro- 
priate cases, and contains 
200 natural orders and 
25,000 species of plants, a 
space being devoted to 
each order. The speci- 
mens are arranged on 
sheets and indexed. The 
first collection was trans- 
ferred from the Smithso- 
nian Institution, and 
comprised the specimens 
brought home by the 
Wilke? expedition. The 
specimens gathered by 
the various United States 
exploring exprditiojis are 
all deposited here. The 
collection of plants of the 
United States is very C'>m- 
plele. 

The rooms adjoining 
are occupied by the Tax- 
idermists on the W. and 
Modelers on the S. The 
former has the preparation 
of birds for the museum, 
and their care. The latter 
makes models of fruits for 
the museum. 

Over the third floor, W. 
wing, reached from B, 
plan of the second floor, 
the rooms are used for 
clerks. 

Basement reached 

from B, first floor — con- 
tains Seed Rooms, in west- 
ern portion, and rest Fold- 
ing, Laborers', and Engi- 
neers^ Rooms, and accom- 
modations for heating ap- 
paratus and fuel. The 
seed-packing department, 
where upwards of 60 per- 
sons are employed, is of 
great interest. 

11 




162 DEPARTMENT OF AGKICULTURi:. 

Plant Houses — On tlie W. of th<^ (lepiutment building are 
the j9?a??i houses^ commenced in 1868 from designs by Wil- 
liam Sannders, Superintendent of Gardens and Grounds. 
The main structure is 320 ft. long and 30 ft. wide E. and W., 
with a loing 150 long projecting to the rear or S. of the centre 
of the main building. The centre pavilion is 60 ft. long, 32 
ft. wide, and 30 ft. high, and is devoted to palms and the 
larger tropical plants, such as bananas. The pavilions at 
the extremity of the wings are 30 ft. square, 26 ft. high, and 
are the orangery^ and for other semi-tropical fruits. These 
terminal pavilions are joined to the centre by connecting 
ranges 100 ft. long, 25 ft. wide, and 17 ft. high, and are oc- 
cupied by the miscellaneous collection of plants of practical 
use, such as medical plants and those furnishing textile fibres, 
useful gums, sugars, and dyes. The S. projecting wing is 
the grapery^ and contains a collection of foreign grapes. The 
roots are planted in borders on the outside, and the stems 
conducted into the grapery through apertures in the brick 
wall. The dark varieties are on the W. side, and the light 
on the E. There are 100 varieties in all. 

The plant houses are heated by means of hot water, circulated through 5,000 ft. 
of 4-in pipe, and supplied by two boilers. The boilers are arranged with a cut-ofF, 
so that they may be operated separately or together. 

These houses have foundation walls of red sandstone, with bluestone bases and 
caps. The doors and windows of the centre and wings are designed in moresque 
arches. Brackets uphold the cornice from which the cupola roof rises. The main 
entrance projects from the main building, and has three arched openings The 
frame of the structure is of iron and wood substantially built, and cost $25,000. 
The roof is covered with American glass of double thickness, and curved expressly 
for the purpose. 

Commissioners of Agriculture. — 1862, Isaac Newton, Penn.; 1867, John W. Stokes 
Penn., (acting;) 1867, Horace Capron, 111.; 1871, Frederick Watts, Penn. 

History —Under act July 4, 1836, Henry L. Ellsworth, Commissioner of Patents, 
gave attention to the distribution of rare grains., seeds., and plants., in thecoUection 
of which he was aided by the diplomatic and consular officers of the United States 
in foreign countries. In 1839^1,000 were appropriated for the purpose. This gave 
rise to the agricultural division of the Patent Office. 

In 1858 a Propagating Garden was established on that portion of the public grounds 
lying along the S. side of Missouri av., bet. 4^^ and 6th sts. N., for the purpose of 
testing sorghum and Chinese sugar cane. In 1868 these operations were removed 
to the present more extensive grounds. , , », t- 

The Department of Agriculture was established by act of Congress dated May 15, 
1862, '^to acquire and diffuse among the people of the United States useful infor- 
mation on subiects connected with agriculture in the most general and comprehen- 
sive sense ot that word, and to procure, propagate, and distribute among the people 
new and valuable seeds and plants." The chief executive officer was to be known 
as the Commissioner of Agriculture, to be appointed by the President and confirmed 
by the Senate. The Department, before occupying its present abode, had rooms in 
the basement of the Patent Office. j - ,w. 

There are now annually distributed about 1,200,000 packages of seeds, and 25,000 
bulbs, vines, cuttings, and plants. r u . ^^ «.». 

Th^ publications tf the Department consist of an annual report oi abonl 700 pages 
octavo, 227,000 to 275,000 printed for distribution, znd monthly reports of about 4s 
pages octavo, on the condition of the crops. 28,000 printed. 



NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 



163 



NAVAL OBSEKVATORY. 

The United States Naval Observatory is one of the leading 
astronomical establishments in tlie world. It is open every 
day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a, m. to 3 j>. m. The watchman 
will show visitors tlirough the buildino-. Night visits are very 
much restricted in consequence of the interference with the 
astronomical work. The street cars on Pennsylvania av. run 
within 10 min. walk. Alight at 24th st. W., south side. Vis- 
itors afoot may reach the Observatory by following New 
Yorlv av. W. of the State, War, and Navy Deijartment to E 
St. N., thence by tlie latter to 24th st. w! 

Grounds. — Tlie Observatory occupies a commanding site 
on the N. bank of the Potomac, 96 ft. above tide, and origin- 
all}^ known as Peters'' Hill, after its proprietor. The beauti- 
ful grounds comprise 19 a. witliin tlie walls, and constitute 
Reservation No. 4 on the original plat of the city. 




ccotts 



NAVAL OBSEBVATORY. 



There are many interesting historical associations connected with the site. In 1755 
portion of Braddock's army camped here on the march from Alexandria to the fatal 
field on the Monongahela. On the Potomac bank is a rock upon which the troops 
were landed, and known as Braddock's rod. In 1792 it was proposed to erect z fort 
and barracks on the N. portions of the reservation. It was a favorite project with 
Washington to establish a national university here. The grounds were named Uni- 
versity Square from this fact. In i8i3-'i4 part of the American army encamped on 
the hill, from which fact it was long known as Camp Hill., and advanced to Bladens- 
burg for the defense of the city against the English. 

The Observatory, founded in 1842, is under the direction of 
the Bureau of Navigation^ Navy Department. The reserva- 
tion in the centre of which it stands was selected for the pur- 
pose by President Tyler. 

Buildings, — The central building., completed in 1844, is 50 
ft. sq., consisting of a basement and 2 stories, with a crown- 
ing parapet and balustrade, and is sm-mounted by a dome. 



164 NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 

On the E. and W. are wings, each 26 J ft. long, 21 ft. wide, 
and 18 ft. high. At the end of the former is the residence of 
the superintendent, and the latter, an ohserving-room, 40 ft. 
by 281 ft., built in 1869. The projection on the S. is 60 ft. 
long, and terminates in the great dome. Visitors are expect- 
ed to register their names in the book opposite the main 
entrance. 

Rooms and Instruments, — The numhei^s refer to the diagram 
of gro undp Ian . 

I. Pier of Equatorial, brick, imbedded 17 ft in the earth, conical, is 12 ft. 
in diameter at the surface line, 7 ft. at top, 28 ft. high, and is capped with a pedestal 
of stone weighing 'j]/^ tons. Over the pier is a dome 2j ft. in diameter, rising 20 ft. 
above the roof, and provided with a slip. The dome revolves on six 24-lb. shot. 
This Equatorial^ purchased in 1845, was made by Merz and Mahler, Munich, cost 
$6,cxio. Object-glass, 9.62 in., clear aperture; focal length, 14 ft. 4.5 in. Its work 
is chiefly upon the smaller planets, asteroids, and comets. 

II. Superintendent's Office. — Here is an electro-chronograph^ in a marble case, 
invented by Prof. John L. Locke, 1848. It is connected by electric wires with the 
clocks in the Executive Departments, Weather Signal Office, and Western Union 
Telegraph Office. The current is continually passing, the pendulums of all the clocks 
beating together. In the adjacent hall is a superbly-carved black walnut switch-board^ 
made by the Western Electric Manufacturing Company, Chicago, and purchased in 
1874. The frame takes no wires, and has j,ooo combinations. Through this the 
clocks, chronographs, and instruments are placed in communication with each other 
and with the telegraphic system of the world. The old switch-board is opposite. 

III. General Office. IV. Office of Naval Officer in Ch.\rge of 
Chronometers. V. Packing- Room. 

VI. Mural Circle and Transit, with clock and chronograph. Mural Cir- 
</«, made by Troughton & Simms, London, 1843; erected in 1844. Object-glass, 
4.10 in., clear aperture; focal length, 5 ft. j.Sin. ; diameter at graduation, 60.35 in.; 
as divided into every 5 min., and is supplied with reading microscopes. Its use is for 
observing declinations of stars. Transit^ made by Ertel & Son, Munich, 1844 ; erect- 
ed the same year. Object-glass 5.33 in., clear aperture; focal length, 7 ft. 0.4 in. 
Used for observing the right ascension of stars. These were the principal instru- 
ments used by Prof. Yarnell in making his Catalogue 0/10,658 Stars. 

VII. Chkonometer-Room, in which the chronometers of the navy, when not 
in actual use, are kept and rated. The average number here is 200. They are 
wound and compared with a standard, daily, and a record kept of their variation by 
ahe naval officer in charge. In the same room is a standard mean-time clod, with 
necessary apparatus, from which at meridian each day exact time is dispatched. The 
oaval officer in charge, at 3 min. before noon, connects the clock through the foot 
of the pendulum with electric wires, and at mean noon taps the electric key, simul- 
taneously giving the instant of mean noon to the Western Union Telegraph Com- 
pany's offices, and thence all over the U. S. The ball over the Observatory is 
dropped at tne same moment. 

VIII. Library. — In 1844 this consisted of 200 vols, of astronomical works, do- 
nated by the Greenwich, Paris, Berlin, and Vienna Observatories. It now com- 
prises 6,000 vols., some very rare, dating in 1482, relating to astronomy, meteorolo- 
gy, and kindred sciences, and is the most complete of the kind on the western hemi- 
sphere. 

IX. SiDERiAL Clock, made by Kessels, of Altona, Germany, is used as the 
standard clock of the Observatory. 

X. Transit Circle, made by Pistor & Martins, Berlin, was first mounted in 
the present Library in 1865. Object-glass, 8.52 in, clear aperture; focal length, 12 
ft. I in.; outer diameter of its circles, 45.30 in., and at the graduation, 43.40 in. 
Both circles are divided to every 2 min., and are fitted with reading microscopes. 
The collimators, for adjusting the instrument, have a focal leng'h of 2 ft. II in. 
Use : observation of the positions of the sun, moon, and planets. In the same room 
is a chronograph, made by Alvan Clark & Sons, from designs by Prof. Wm. Hark- 
ness. It records by electric wires the times at which observations are made. 



NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 



165 



XI. Prime Verticai, Transit, made by Pistor Sc Martins, Berlin, was erect- 
ed in iS+4- Object-giass, 4.86 in., clear aperture j focal length, 6 ft. 5 in. Is used 
coiv tbr deciiaations. 

XII. M^CHixE SHOP. XIII. Room of Officer in Charge of th3 Great 
Equatorial. XIV. Sleeping Apartment of Officer in Ch.\rge of the 
Gre.\t Equatorial. 



XV. Gkeat Equ.\tori.\l, 
niounted in 1S73, siade by -A.1- 
vaa Clark Sc Sons. Cambridge- 
port, Mass. Object-glass, 26 
in., clear aperture; focal 
length, ji'j ^'^-i '^'^^ ^7iOOO. 
The rough. lump of glass was 
cast by Chance &: Co., Birm- 
ingham, England. The in- 
strument rests upon a double 
pier of masonr)-, imbedded 17 
ft. in the earth. The pier 
above the coor is of brick, 
arched, and has a cap consist- 
ing cf a solid block of red sand- 
stone, 8 ft. long by 1 ft. wide 
and high. On top of this is an 
iron support weighing 1,100 
lbs., to receive the axis upon 
which the telescope is mount- 
ed. The instrument with it* 
base weighs 6 tons. The in- 




strument is tquattriaHj 
mtur.ted, the general plan 
being that devised by Fraun- 
hofer, modified bv Messrs. 
Clark and Prof. S. Newcomb, 
and is run by a reaciitn v^atet 
ickeel. It is fitted with mi- 
ckrtmeterj^ spectrtsctpts, &:c 
The tuhe is of sheet steel, 
roiled in Pittsburgh. There 
is also a cknni^raph con- 
nected with the instrument. 
The great equatorial is plac- 
ed in an inn dime 41 ft. it» 
diameter and 4c ft. in height, 
erected at a cost of §14,000 
The superstructure rests oa 
a stone foundation. The roof 
is supplied with a slip, re- 
Tolves on conical wheels, 
and is easily moved horizont- 
ally in either direction by 




SAVAL OBSEBVATOKT, GSOtHTI) PLA3t. 

means of suitable gearing. The instrument is the largest refractor to. thewortd. 
The next in size is in the private observatory of R. S. Newall, Gateshead, England,. 

and has 15 in. of clear aperture, 
XVI. Residence of the Superintendent. 

The rooms on the second floor of the main buflcRng are used 
by officers in charj^e of the various instruments and their 
assistants. The view from the platform around the dome is 
very fine. To the top of the staff over the dome a black can- 
vass ball, 2^ ft. in diameter, is hoisted daily a few minutes 
before noon, and by means of a steel spring, governed by a 
magnet and opemted from the chronometer-room, is dropi)ed 
on the instant of mean noon. • 



166 ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 

Superintendents of the Depot of Charts and Instruments. — l8jO, Lieut. L. M 
Goldsborough ; iSjj, Lieut. Charles Wilkes ; i8j6, Lieut. Hitchcock ; 1S38, Lieut. 
J. M. Gilliss, Of the Naval Observatory. — 1844, Commander M. F. Maury; 1861, 
Capt. J. M. Gilliss; 1865, Rear Admiral C. H. Davis; 1867, Rear Admiral B. F. 
Sands; 1874, Rear Admiral C. H. Davis 

History. — The first action of Congress towards the establishment of an observa- 
tory was in 1821, in the passage of a joint resolution to ascertain the longitude of the 
Capitol from Greenwich, first proposed by Wm. Lambert, of Va., in 1810. In 1830 
a bureau., for the care of the instruments and charts o*" the navy, was created. A 
small jo-in transit was erected at the same time. A series of observations were car- 
ried on in connection with the Wilkes Exploring Expedition, i838-'42. In 1842 a 
'•'•permanent depot'"'' was established. In l^^O t^i^ meridian of the Observatory 2.1 
Washington was adopted as the American meridian for astronomical and that of 
Greenwich for all nautical purposes. Long, of Observatory, 77"^ j' s''.8 W. of 
Greenwich; lat,, 38° si' 38".8 N. 



ar:my :medical museum. 

The Army Medical Museum {open every day, except Sunday, 
from 9 a. m. to. 3 p. m.) stands on the E. side of 10th st. W., 
about midway between E and F sts. N. It is a plain brick 
structure, painted dark brown, 3 stories high, 71 ft. front, and 
109 ft. deep. The building was originally a church, and then 
a theatre, known as Ford's Theatre, and was the scene of the 
tragedy of April 14, 1865 — tlie assassination of President 
Lincoln. The building was immediately closed h\ the Gov- 
ernment, and in April, 18G6, Congress purchased it for $100,- 
000, for the purpose to which it is now applied. Tlie interior 
was taken out, remodeled, and made fire-proof, under direc- 
tion of Surgeon General Barnes. There is now no trace of 
the exact scene of the assassination. Its location was on the 
r., about the centre of what is now the second floor. The a.s- 
sassin took his last drink in the restaurant, which occupied 
the first floor of the S. wing, now the Chemical Laboratory. 
The President was conveyed to the house No. 516, opposite, 
and died in the back room of the first floor. 

On the IS", side, in the rear of the building, is a small wing, 
occupied by the Museum workshops, and m. front, on the S. 
side, is another wing, used by the Chemical Laboratory and 
the oflicers on duty. The main entrance is in the S. portion 
of the front, and the Museum is in the third story, at the top 
of the stairway. The first floor is occupied by the record 
and pension division of the Surgeon General's Office, contain- 
ing the papers belonging to the military hospitals and monthly 
sick reports of the army during the rebellion, 1861-65, and 
are stil' received from the various posts of tlie regular army. 
The hospital records number over 16,000 vols. The payment 
of pensions is based upon information received from these rec- 
ords. The alphabetical registers contain about 300,000 names 



ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 167 

of the dead of the army. The Chemical Laboratory in the S. 
wing is charged with the examination of alleged adulterations 
of medicines and hospital supplies, and other investigations 
of a similar nature which come before the Surgeon General. 
The second floor contains the surgical records. In the S. wing, 
on this floor, are the offices of the Surgeon General and sur- 
geon in charge. Here are portraits of Surgeon General Lovel, 
John Hunter, (a copy from Sir Joshua Keynolds,) philosophi- 
cal wi-iter on surgery, Dr. Morton, author of Crania Ameri- 
cana., and Dr. Physic, an original by Rembrandt Peale. 

Museum. — ^The Museum on the third floor is well lighted 
in front and rear and by a large central skylight, which also 
lights the floors below through oblong openings. The attend- 
ant in the room will answer questions and point out objects 
of special interest. 

The specimens, arranged in cases and otherwise, number 
16,000, and are divided into six sections, viz : I. Surgical 
Section., embracing specimens of the effects of missiles of 
every variety on all parts of the body, extremely interest- 
ing; the stages of repair; morbid conclitions, calculi, tumors, 
&c. ; plaster casts representing mutilations resulting from 
injuries and surgical operations; examples of missiles ex- 
tracted from wounds ; preparations exhibiting the effects of 
injuries peculiar to Indian hostilities. In this section are 
the bones of the amputated portions of the legs of eight 
generals, and a portion of the vertebrae of the neck of Bootli, 
the assassin. II. Medical Section., consisting of specimens 
illustrating the morbid conditions of the internal organs in 
fever, chronic dysentery, and other camp diseases ; the mor- 
bid anatomy of the diseases of civil life; and pathological 
pieces relating to the diseases of women and children, mal- 
formations, and monstrosities. III. Microscopical Section, 
including thin sections of diseased tissues or organs, suitably 
mounted for microscopical study, and a varietj' of prepara- 
tions exhibiting the minute anatomj^ of normal structures. 
An interesting branch of this section is the success attained 
in photo-micography, the process by which the most delicate 
microscopical preparations can be photographed to a mao'ni- 
fying power of 4,500 diameters. IV. Anatomical Section., 
embracing skeletons, separated crania, and other prepara- 
tions of the anatomy of the human frame. The collection of 
human crania, with a view to ethnological study, and espe- 
cially relating to the aboriginal race of tlie United States, is 
very complete, numbering about 1,000 specimens. Y. Section 
of Comparative Anatomy., embracing over 1,000 specimens of 
skeletons oi buffalo, deer, bear, and other American mammals, 



168 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

with birds, reptiles, and fishes. VI. Miscellaneous Section^ 
including models of hospitals, barracks, ambulances, and 
medicine wagons, a collection of surgical instruments, arti- 
ficial limbs, and other articles of interest. The object of the 
Museum is not to gratify public curiosity, but was founded 
and is carried on in the interests of science. It is the finest 
collection of the kind in the world, and is resorted to b)'" sur- 
gical and medical students and Avriters from all parts of the 
United States and abroad. The original design of the Museum 
was the collection of specimens illustrative of militar}^ surgery 
and camp diseases for the education of medical men for mili- 
tary service. The Medical and Sm-gical History of the War 
w^as compiled from the records of the museum. 



GOYEKNISIEI^T PKI:N^TING OFFICE. 

The Government Printing OflEice and Bindery {open every 
day^ except Sunday^ from 8 a. m. to 5. p. m.) occupies an 
L-shaped brick building, on the SW. corner of H and North 
Capitol sts. The Office may be reached by the Columbia 
Horse Railway. Visitors should alight and enter by the door 
nearest N. Capitol st. There is also a public entrance on the 
latter st. It will be necessary for sti'angers to state to the 
watchman at either door that they desire to visit the build- 
ing. The building measures 300 ft. on H St., and 175 ft. on 
N. Capitol St., and is 60 ft. deep and four stories high. The 
building, without the addition of an extension of 60 ft. on the 
W. end, and an L of 113 ft. on the E. end, made in 1871, was 
purchased in 1860 by the Superintendent of Public Printing, 
an office then created under authoritj^ of an act of Congress. 
It had previouslj^ belonged to Cornelius Wendell, and was 
then used as a printing office, under the contract system. 
The object of the purchase was the execution of the printing 
and binding authorized by the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives, the Executive and Judicial Departments, and the 
Court of Claims. Connected with the main building are a 
paper warehouse, machine shops, boiler and coal houses, 
wagon shed and stable. 

On the first floor are the press, wetting, drying, and engme 
rooms. Tlie presses include a variety of patterns, and are 
adapted to every species of work. There are 52 in all, from 
the immense Bullock press to the small Gordon. On the 
second floor are the composing-room, with 300 stands, the 



GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 169 

proof-reading rooms, the electro and stereotype foundery, aiicl 
the offices of the Congi-essional Printer. On the third Jloor 
is the bindery, inclnding embossing, ninnbering, paging, rnl- 
ing, stamping, stitcliing, marbling, and all other branches. 
The process of marbling is particnlarly intei'esting. On the 
fomi.li floor are the stitching and folding rooms and the Con- 
gressional Record office, with a capacity of working 100 men. 
The Record, containing the proceedings and debates of Con- 
gress, now printed at the Public Printing Office, is issued 
every day at 6 A. M. during the session of Congress. All 
bills and reports, without regard to length, are delivered in 
print to Congress the day following tlieir presentation. 

The Public Printing Office is the largest establishment of 
the kind in the world. The capacity for worlc is practically 
without limit. Upwards of 120,000 pages of docimientary 
composition and 1,000,000 volumes of that class of work liave 
been turned out in a single year. The finest Works printed 
here are the Medical and Surgical History of the War ; the 
reports of the Paris Expositioi/ ; Astronomical Observations 
of the Naval Observatory; the Census of 1870; the Case of 
the United States before the Tribunal of Arbitration at Gen- 
eva, in English, French, and Poi'tuguese ; professional papers 
of the Bureau of Engineers, Wai* Department ; the Darien 
and Tehuantepec Ship-canal Expeditions; Hajalen's Final 
Surveys ; Clarence King's Surveys of the 40th Parallel ; the 
Coast Survey Reports ; and general Catalogues of the Libra- 
ries of the United States and the Surgeon General's Office. 

Public Printers. — Siiperijitendents^ 1853, J. T. Towers, 
D. C; 1854, A. G. Seaman, Penn. ; 1858, G. W. Bowman, 
Penn. ; 1860, John Heart, Penn.; 1861, J. D. Defrees, Ind. ; 
1866, C. Wendell, N. Y. Congressional Printers— ISQ7 ^ J, 
D. Defrees, Ind. ; 1869, A. M. Clapp, N. Y. 

The office is divided into the Composing Department. H. 
T. Brian, Foreman of Printing ; Electro and Stereotyping, 
A. Elliott, jr., Maurice Joyce; Bindery, J. H. Roberts. 

In 1852 the old contract system of public printing was 
abolished, and the office of Superintendent of Public Print- 
ing for each House of Congress was created. The work, 
though still executed bj' contract, was then done under the 
direction of those officers. In 1860 Congress took the public 
printing in their own hands, and in 1867 the office of Super- 
intendent of Public Printing was abolished, and instead the 
Senate of the United States was authorized to elect some 
competent person, a practical printer, to take charge of the 
Government Printing Office. 



170 winder's building. 



WmDEK'S BUILDING. 

This structure {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. 
m. to 3 p. m.) is situated on the N \V. corner of F and 17th sts., 
opposite the !N"avy Department. It was originally erected 
for a hotel, and was purchased by the Government for the 
accommodation of public offices. The first floor is occupied 
principally by the Chief Engineer of the Army. The last 
room, No. 2, on the corridor leading to the r. after entering 
is the Battle Record Room^ in which the reports of the battles 
of the late war are filed and indexed. On the r. of the S. 
corridor, No. 13, is a^Ze room for the papers belonging to the 
Adjutant General's Office. The second floor, E. front, is 
devoted to the Judge Advocate General of the Army^ and the 
S. to the Ordnance Office. The floors above are assigned to 
the Second Auditor of the Treasury Department. 

Ordnance Museum. — {Open every day^ except Sunday^ from 
9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) — This interesting military collection is on 
the second floor, and may be reached by ascending the steps 
opposite the main door, and keeping the corridors to the r., 
passing tlirough the door marked " Ordnance Office " to door 
No. 49 on the r. at the farther end of the corridor ; crossing 
this room and the connecting hall we enter the Museum, 
which occupies a detached building. The collection occupies 
two fine halls. The most conspicuous object on entering are 
the captured Confederate flags. They are all more or less 
associated with the battles of the late civil strife. The other 
objects of interest are United States Army infantry and cav- 
alry uniforms and accoutrements complete; section of an 
oak, which stood inside the Confederate entrenchments near 
Spottsylvania C. H., and was cut down by musket balls in 
the attempt to recapture the works carried by 2d Coi'ps A. 
P., May 12, 1864; Jeff"erson Davis' rifle, a French piece, 
taken at the time of his capture in 1865 ; artillery, cavalrj^, 
and infantry accoutrements used in the U. S. Army from the 
earliest date; cheveaux-de-frise from front of Petersburg, 
Va. ; models and drawings of arsenals ; fuses for exploding 
shells and cannon ; shells picked up on the battle-fields ; cart- 
ridge bags for field, siege, and sea-coast artillery, the largest 
containing 100 lbs. ; projectiles of various sizes, both spherical 
and rifled, the largest being 20 in. in diameter, and weigliing 
1,000 K)S. ; portable cavalry forge and tools complete ; Gat- 
ling guns of various sizes, including the "Camel" gun 
mounted on tripod, and of which large numbers are in use 
hi Egypt ; a Billinghurst and Kequia batterj?^ ; a Union or 



CITY HALL. 



171 



" cofFee-mill " gun ; a steel Whit worth gun, one of a battery 
from loyal Americans in Europe to the United States in 18G1 ; 
tlie carriage of a 4 lb. cannon, formerly the property of the 
city of Vicksburg, firecl at a passing steamer several days 
before any guns were tired at United States forts or troops 
at Charleston or Pensacola — the gun is at West Point ; breech 
loaders captured at Richmond ; confederate projectiles ; 
models complete, showing mountings of guns in casemate 
and barbette, also mortars; a gun mounted on a saddle; 
models of field and siege artillery, caissons, forges, and bat- 
tery wagons used in the U. S. Army; life-size models of 
horse artillery equipments, ordnance roclvcts, and fireworks. 
On the second fioor is the Museum of small arms, in which 
can be traced then- history from the beginning, and practically 
illustrating the stages of advancement, embracing breech and 
muzzle-loaders, muskets, rifles, and carbines, armor 1610, 
cuirass, and helmet, and other relics from the battle-field of 
Sedan, 1870, foreign arms and cavalry equipments, Indian 
war clubs, and ancient iveapons and wall pieces, Japanese 
two-handed swords worn by Kondo, a provincial officer, visit- 
ing the U. S. in 1871, presented by Arinori Mori, Charge 
d'Aftairs, and captured Confederate arms. 




PISTEICT COURT-HOUSE, (FORMEKLT CITY HALl.) 

DISTRICT COURT HOUSE. 

The City Hall, until 1871, occupied jointlj^ by the munici- 
pal government of Washington and the United States Courts 



172 ARSENAL. 

for the District of Columbia, in 1873, by purchase, became the 
sole property of the United States, and is now entirely devoted 
to judicial purposes. The structure stands on the S. line of 
Judiciary Square, fronting 4 J st. W., and at the intersection 
of Louisiana and Indiana avs. In the open space in front is 
a marble column surmounted by a statue of Lincoln by Lot 
Flannery, a self-taught sculptor. It was erected out of the 
contributions of a number of patriotic citizens. The building 
was commenced in 1820, from plans by George Hadfield, the 
architect of tlie Capitol. The E. wing was finished in 1826, 
and the W. in 1849. It is two stories, 47 ft. high, and con- 
sists of a recessed centre 150 ft. long, with two projecting 
wings, each 50 ft. front and 166 ft. deep. The entire frontage 
is 250 ft. The structure is built of freestone painted vvhite. 
In the centre of the main building, and in each wing, are re- 
cessed porticos, formed of Doric columns. Between the wings 
is a paved space. ^ 



AESENAL. 



The arsenal {open from sunrise to swwsei^) occupies a tract of 
45 a. at the extreme S. point of the city. It is accessible by 
the 9th-st. line of the Metropolitan horse railway^ the terminus 
of which is near tlie gate, at the foot of 4^ st. W. The tract , 
originally comprised 28| a., and included the point of land at \ 
the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, extend- 
ing from the former stream to the mouth of James Creek, 
and N. to T st. S. In 1857 it was extended, by.the purchase 
of the adjoining land on the N., (16 a.,) between the Potomac 
and the James Creek Canal, to P st. S. 

The grounds are laid out in walks and drives, and entered 
through a gateway consisting of iron gates swung on 82 and 
24-pdr. cannon. The guard room is on the 1., and on the 
r. is a 15-in. Kodman gun, and below a pendulum house, in 
which is a penduhim balance for testing the force of gun- 
powder. The Chief of Ordnance resides at the end of the 
main drive, in the large building on the 1., and opposite are 
ofiicers' quarters. The old quarters and shops are at tlie S. 
extremity of the grounds, about | m. 

The body of Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln^ was landed at the 
small wharf at theS. W. end of the peninsula. It was, with the bodies of the 
other conspirators, buried in one of the lower cells of the United States Peni~ 
tenttary, erected on the north end of the arsenal grounds, 1826-29. In 1865 the 
body of Wirz^ the Anderson rebel prison-keeper, executed at the old Capitol 
1865, was also buried here. When the Penitentiary was torn down. 1869, 
these bodies were removed, Wirz to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, D. C, and Booth. 
CO Baltimore. The grounds afford a delightful stroll or drive, with the broad 
Potomac on the W. and the James Creek Canal on the E. 



ARSENAL. 



173 



In the arsenal biiildings are military stores of various kinds. There are 
also officers' quarters, barracks, hospitals bakeries, stables, and machine, 
carpenter, blacksmith, and painters' shops, lumber storehouses, and two maga- 
zines for fixed ammunitionand small arm cartridges. The principal maga- 
zines are on the Anacostia. A detachment and three officers of the ordnance 
corps are on duty. 

Objects of Inter- 
est. — In front of the old 
quarters are a number of 
/ captured cannon and 
mortars^ among which 
are two Blakely guns, 
one inscribed, " Pre- 
sented to the sovereign 
State of South Carolina, 
by one of her citizens re- 
siding abroad, in com- 
memoration of the 20 
of December, i860 ;" a 
brass gun with a ball in 
the muzzle, shot there in 
the battle of Gettysburg; 
guns surrendered by the 
British by the Conven- 
tion of Saratoga, Oct. 
17, 1.777 ; French guns 
taken at the battle of 
Niagara, July 25, 181 4 ; 
a 64 pounder, captured 
at Vera Cruz, March 29, 
1847 ; ^^'^ guns cap- 
tured from Cornwallis 
at Yorktown Oct. 19, 
1781 : also a number of 
small guns and mortars, 
some of date 1756. 

History. — In 1803 a 
military station was es- 
tablished on the Arsenal 
grounds. In 1807 shops 
were erected. In 1812 
powder was stored here. 
In 1813 it became a reg- 
ular depot of supplies. 
In 18 c4 it was destroyed 
by the British. A num- 
ber of the latter were 
killed by the explosion of 
powder secreted in a well 
near the quarters. In 
1815 it was rebuilt under 
Col. George Bomford. 
In 1816 buildings were , . , 

erected by the Ordnance Department. During the rebellion, 1861- 65, it wa.s the 
depot of ordnance supplies for the Army of the Potomac. Large quantities ot 
ammunition and giin carriages were made here. In 1864 twenty-one girls 
were killed in an explosion of one of the laboratories. Since the war the 
grounds have been beautified. 




174 NAVY -YARD. 



KAVY-YARD. 

The Navy- Yard {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 7 a. 
m. to sunset^) is situated on the Anacostia, f m. SE. of the 
Capitol, 8th st. E. termiuatiiio- at the entrance. It may be 
reached from the W. j)ortions of the citj^ in the i-ed cars of 
the Pennsylvania av. st. railway. The officer of the marine 
guard at the gate will pass visitors. The present grounds 
comprise about 27 a., and are entered by a stone gatewaj^ in 
Doric style, over which are small cannon-and-ball embellish- 
ments, and in the centre a well-executed eagle, resting on an 
anchor. Inside, on the r., is the guard-room, and opposite 
the officers' room. An avenue runs S. from the entrance to 
the building occupied by the Commandant's and other offices 
of the yard. The Executive officer's room is on the second 
floor, and from whom a j^ermit may be obtained, which will 
admit the bearer to any part of the yard, in the workshops, 
and on board any monitors in the stream. 

Immediately within the entrance, on either side of the 
avenne, are two large guns, captured in 1804, by Commodore 
Decatur from two Tripolitan gunboats. The buildings on 
the 1. and r. are the officers' quarters : those of the Com- 
mandant being on the 1. On the 1. of the main avenue are 
the storehouses, copper-works, &c. ; and on the r. the foundry, 
machine, and other shops. S. of the Commandant's building 
are a number of cannon and projectiles : among the former 
two of 16SG and 17G7 date, captured at j^orfolk, Va., 1862; 
several Austrian and French guns, and two Austrian howit- 
zers, rifled, captured on the steamer Columbia in 1862. 

On the river bank are two ship-houses E. and W. IS'ear 
the E. is the boat-house, from which a boat may be taken to 
the monitors, if any, in the sti-cam. More to the W. lies the 
receiving-ship, the W. shiiD-house, and a water batteiy. The 
large building crowning the hill on the opposite side of the 
river is the National Asylum for the Insane. The view down 
the river is very flne. In tiie W. part of the yard is the Ord- 
nance-shop and Laboratory'. The avenue leading back to- 
wards the main entrance passes near the Museum, {open from 
9 a. in. to A, p. m.) On either side of tiie door are a number of 
projectiles of the largest size. Among these a 20-in. shot, 
weighing 1,048 lbs. The gun is on the Eip-raps, Hampton 
Roads. Here may be seen a number of relics and other ob- 
jects of interest : aimong which, on the first floor., are a Span- 
ish gun, cast about 1490, brought to America by Cortez, and 
used in the conquest of Mexico ; a Spanish gun captured by 
Commodore Stockton in California in 1847; an okl-style re- 



NAVY -YARD. 



175 




NAVY-YARD. 



peater ; a small mortav, captured from Lord Oornwallis ; a 
section of the sternpost of the Kearsarge, showing a shell, 
which did not explode, fired into it by the Alabama ; confed- 
erate torpedoes, taken out of southern harbors ; submarine 
rockets; models of projectiles, and a very interesting col- 
lection of those which had been fired. On the second jioor 
are principally small arms ; models of cannon ; a model of the 
ordnance dock, Brooklyn ; brass swivels, one very old, said 
to have belonged to Cortez ; a telescope rifle ; two blunder- 
busses, and cases of rifles and pistols. The walls and ceil- 
ings are artistically decorated with pikes, cutlasses, sabres, 
and pistols. 

History.— On Oct. 30, 1799, the selection of a site for the 
Xavj'-Yard was brought to the attention of the commission- 
ers, and led to considerable correspondence with Naval Agent 
William Marbury. The ground best suited for that purpose 
lay on the Anacostia, a short distance above its confluence 
with the Potomac, on land owned by Messrs. Carroll and 
Prout. On Dec. 3, 1799, the Secretary of the Navy gave 
orders to lay the ground out. The yard, however, was not 
formally established till the passage of the act of March, 1804. 
In those early days it was vmri vailed. Such famous vessels 
as the Wasp, Argus, the brig Viper, the Essex, the schoon- 
ers Shark and Grampus, the sloop of war St. Louis, 24 guns, 
and frigates Columbia, Potomac, and Brandywine, 44 guns 
each, were built here. In 1837 it was proposed to establish a 



176 MARINE BARRACKS. 

naval school at the yard. Of late years the yard has lost its 
prominence for naval construction, owin^: to the greater fa- 
cilities presented by more recently-established stations, and 
the filling up of the channel. In 1816 a ship of the line could 
anchor here. The yard is now one of the most important for 
the manufacture of naval supplies. 



:MARmE BAKKACKS. 

A short distance IST. of the IN'avy-Yard gate, on the E. side 
of 8th St. E., between G and I sts. S., are the Marine Barracks. 
The Pennsylvania av. cars {red) for the IsTavy^-Yard pass the 
iron gate, which is the general entrance. Visitors are admit- 
ted from 9 a. m. till sundown, but can be passed before that 
time by the officer of the day. The barracks have a frontage 
of 700 feet. The centre building, used for officers' quarters, 
is two stories high, and the wings are one story, with accom- 
modations for 200 men. The offices of the general staff are 
•opposite, on 9th st. E. On the K. of the square a e the quar- 
ters of the Brigadier General and Commandant of the Marine 
Corps, and opposite, on the S., is the armory and hospital. 
In the former are some interesting Marine Corps flags. One 
bears the inscription "From Tripoli to the Halls of the Mon- 
tezumas" by land and sea; also, a Corean flag captured in 
battle. 

The most interesting occasion for a visit would be at the 
time of general inspection on any Monday, weather permit- 
ting, at 10 a. m., when the Marines and their excellent band 
may be seen in full parade. Every day at 8 a. m. in summer 
find 9 a. m. in winter, there is guard mount, the band per- 
forming. The barracks were burnt by the British in 1814, 
but were immediately rebuilt. Kecruits are sent here for in- 
struction before being detailed for service on the vessels of the 
Navy. 

The Marine Corps was organized in 1798 as an adjunct to 
the naval establishment, then placed under an independent 
administration. The corps has participated, Avith glory to 
its officers and men, in all the brilliant achievements which 
have characterized the operations of the Kavy of the United 
States whenever called upon to vindicate the honor of the na- 
tion. On land the corps has borne itself nobly; and against 
greatly superior numbers and overcoming grave obstacles, 
has invariably returned with fresh laurels. In the Tripolitan 
and Mexican wars, in their participation in the attack on Fort 



MAGAZINES. 177 

Fisher, in their desperate conflict on the coast of Corea against 
overwhelming numbers of the barbarous enemy, and in re- 
peated retaliatory landings on the shores of Asiatic countries 
and islands of the Pacific, their discipline and bravery have 
won for them a bright page in the nation's history. The 
headquarters of the corps are appropriatelj'- at the National 
Capital, being established at the Marine Barracks. Tlie com- 
mandant or superior officer liolds the rank of brigadier gen- 
eral ; there are also 1 colonel, 2 lieutenant colonels. 4 majors, 
20 captains, and an increased number of lieutenants. The 
numerical strength of the corps by law is 2,500 men. 



MAGAZINES. 



The Army and Navy Magazines, to which there is no ad- 
mittance, occupy about 6 a. in the S. part of reservation No. 
13, or Hospital Square, situated in the extreme E. part of the 
city on the Anacostia. They consist of four brick buildings, 
the two for the Army on tlie N., and those for the Navy on 
the S., witli a capacity of 2,000 bbls. each. The grounds are 
tastefully laid out. A sergeant and private and a small detach- 
ment of marines are on duty. The wharf at the foot of the 
grounds is used exclusively for the discharge or shipment of 
powder. In 1873 the Bellville farm, of 90 a., on Oxen creek, 
with a frontage on the Potomac nearly opposite Alexandria, 
was purchased for the Naval Magazine, which will be remov- 
ed from its present location. 

The large quantities of powder usually stored in these 
magazines occasions great uneasiness to the inhabitants of 
the'^adjacent parts of the city. Frequent measures have been 
taken to have the magazines removed. That of the Navy will 
be transferred to its new site as soon as the buildings are 
ready for use. The Army magazines will doubtless speedily 
follow. 



12 



SECTION lY. 

PLACES OF GENERAL INTEREST. 




smithso:n^iax ixstitutiox. 

HE Smithsonian Institution {open daily^ except 

Sunday^ from d a. m. to 4: p. m.) occupies a fine 

site S. of Pennsylvania av., and may be conveniently 

reached by 10th st. W., the centre of the N". front 

of the building facing that street. 

G-rounds. — The whole area of what are now desig- 
nated the Stnitlisonian Grounds — that is, from 7th to 12th st. 
and between B sts. IST. and S., covers 52J acres. The Smith- 
sonian grounds proper, and which were set apart for the In- 
stitution in 1846, consist of 20 a., situated in the SW. corner 
of the larger reservation. At first the charge of the Smith- 
sonian grounds proper was under the Institution. About 15 
years ago, however. Congress resumed their supervision. 
They were then thrown into the extensive and beautiful res- 
ervation which now surrounds the Institution building. 

The grounds were designed and partially laid out by the 
distinguished horticulturist and landscape gardener, Andrew 
Jackson Downing, whose death occurred while in the prose- 
cution of his plans. They are arranged with lawns, groves, 
di'ives, and footways, and are planted with 150 species of 
trees and shrubs, chiefly American. In the E. portion of the 
grounds, K. of the E. wing of the building, is a. vase of ex- 
quisite beauty, designed by Calvert Yaux, of IS'ewburg, N". 
Y., executed by Kobert Launitz, sculptor, of ISTew York, 
and erected by the American Pomological Society to the 
memory of Downing. The f nnds were supplied by friends of 
the deceased. The principal design of the monument con- 
sists of a large vase of antique pattern, worked in Italian 
marble, and resting on a pedestal of the same material. The 
vase is 4 ft. high and 3 ft. in diame-ter at the upper rim. The 
body is ornamented with arabesque. Acanthus leaves sur- 
round the lower part. The handles rest on the heads of satyrs, 
S'ods ot groves and woods, and the pedestal on a carved base 

a78 ^ 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 



179 



siiiTOuiided with a cornioe. On each side is a deep panel, 
relieved by carved monldin<?s. In each is an appropriate in- 
scription. That facing the'N. reads, "This vase was erected 
hy his friends in memory of Andrew Jackson Downing, who 
died July 28, 1852, aged thirty-seven years. He was born 
and lived and died on the Hudson river." On the base of 
the pedestal are the words, "This memorial was erected 
under a resolution passed at Philadelphia, in September, 
18o2, by tlie American Pomological Society, of wliich Mr. 
Downing was one of the original founders. Marshall P. 
Wilder, President." The whole monument, with the granite 
plinth, is 9J ft. high, and cost $1,600. 

Description, — The style of architecture of the Smithsonian 
Building, designed by James Renwick, Jr., of N". Y., is Nor- 
man, and chronologically belongs to the end of the 12th cen- 
tury, representing the rounded at the time of merging into the 
Gothic. It is the first unecclesiastical structure of tliat period 
ever built in the United States. The building compares favor- 




SMITHSONIAJI INSTITUTION. 

ably with the best examples of the styles, variously called the 
ISTorman, the Lombard, the Romanesque, and the Byzantine. 
The semi-circular arch still is used throughout in doors, win- 
dows, and other openings. The windows are without elabo- 
rately traceried heads. The weather mouldings consist of 
corbel courses with bold projections. It has towers of various 



180 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTIOI^i. 

sizes and shapes. The mahi entrance from the 1^., sheltered 
by a carriage porch, is betNveen two towers of beautifully 
symmetrical proportions and unequal height. The general 
design consists of a main centre building, two stories Ingh and 
two wings of a single story, connected by intervening ranges, 
each having a cloister on the JST. with open stone screen. In 
the centre of the IST. side of the main building are two towers, 
the higher one 145 ft. On the S. is a single massive tower 37 
it. square, including the buttress, and 91 ft. liigh. On the 
NE. corner is a double campanile 17 ft. square and 117 ft. to 
the top of its jfinial. At the SW. corner is an octagonal tower 
tinished with open work in tlie upper portions. At the SW. 
and NW. corners are two smaller towers. There are 9 tow- 
ers in all, including the small ones at each wing. 

The extreme length of the building from E . to W., includ- 
ing the porch of the E. wing, is 447 ft. The breadtii of tlie 
centre of the main building and towers, including carriage 
porch, is IGO ft. The E. wing is 82 by 52 ft., and 42_J ft. high 
to. the top of its battlement. The W. wing, inclusive of its 
projecting apsis, is 84 by 40 ft., and 38 ft. high. Each con- 
necting range, inclusive of cloister, is 60 by 49 ft. The main 
l)uilding is "205 by 57 ft. and to the top of the corbel courses 
•58 ft. high. 

The material used is a variety of freestone found in the new 
Ted sandstone formation, about 23 m. distant from AVashing- 
ton, in the vicinity of the point where Seneca creek empties 
into the Potomac river. It is the same, though brought from 
.a different locality, as that used in the construction of Trinity 
church of ISTew York city. The building thi'ougliout is con- 
structed in the most durable manner. The foundation walls 
Yary from 12 to 8 ft. at the base to 5 ft. at the top. The walls 
of the main building, above the water table, are 2 J ft. for the 
first story, and 2 ft. for the second, exclusive of "buttresses, 
corbel courses, and other exterior projections, and exclusive 
of the interior lining of brick. The walls of tlie wings are 2 
ft. thick. Groined arches are turned under the central, the 
campanile, and octagonal towers, and towers of the W. wing. 
The copings, cornices, battlements, window jambs, muUions, 
sills, and all stone work, is held by iron clamps leaded. The 
face of the building is finished in ashlar, laid in courses 10 to 
15 in. in height, and with an average bed of 9 in. The whole 
of the centre building is fireproof, and the two wings and 
ranges practically so. The roofs are of slate laid on iron. 

The Smithsonian Institution proper has two chief lines of 
action : I. To stimulate the j^'^'cparation of original ivorks in 
general and special science: to publish and to distribute them 
judiciously and promptly to all the scientific centres of the 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 181 

world, through a system of international exchanges, now the 
most complete on the globe. The Institution also distributes 
abroad, free of expense, the publications of scientific and 
historical societies when sent to them. It has ten agents of 
its own, and is in correspondence witli 2,400 institutions 
abi-oad. The publications of the Smithsonian are the '■'Con- 
tributions to Knowledge," "Miscellaneous," and. *"' Annual 
Keports" — tlie latter to Congress. 

II. Meteorological investigations. These liave been pros- 
ecuted over a quarter of a centurj^, and reports are now re- 
ceived from over 600 stations, in all parts of the Western 
Hemisphere. The observations relate solely to the general 
laws of climatology of the continent. The Institution has 
also patronized ami aided the cause of science aiid explora- 
tion, both in the efforts of the Government and private indi- 
viduals. It lias also co-operated with the other departments 
of the Government. Its valuable library has been incorpo- 
rated with that of Congress. The extensive herbarium, on 
condition of approving the botanist in charge,, has been 
ti-ansferred to the Department of Agriculture, and all tlie 
crania and other osteological specimens to the Army Medical 
Museum. In return, from the latter it receives from the- 
officers of the army all collections made in ethnology and ioi 
special branches of natural historj^ 

National Museum.— (Ope?* every day^ exctpt Sunday., firom 
9 «. m. to 4/). m.) — This national collection is in the charge of 
the Smithsonian Institution, though it is supported by the 
United States. Its origin was underthe act establishing that 
Institution, and its head is the Secretary, Professor Joseph 
Henry, though the active supervision has been assigned by 
him to Prof. Spencer F. Baird, Assistant Secretary.. 

With the limited means at command, it wasfOund imprao- 
ticable to expect an extensive general museum.. The efforts 
of the manager of that offshoot of the Institution, therefore, 
were directed to the accumulation of material from the Amer- 
ican continent. Tlie act of organization contributed, as the 
foundation of the museum, the collections of specimens 
brought back by the United States exploriug expedition to the 
Southern Hemisphere, under Captain (Rear Admiral) Charles 
Wilkes, originally deposited in the Patent QtBLce. It was trans- 
ferred to the Institution in 1858. Since that time the collec- 
tion has been increased by the type specimens from upwards 
of fifty subsequent ex])editions of the General Government, 
and contributions resulting fi'om the operations of the Insti- 
tution, besides a large number of donations from individuals. 
The articles represent all parts of the globe and every branch 



182 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

of natural history. The collection of the larger North Amer- 
ican and European mammals, both skins and skeletons, is the 
most complete in tlie United States. In ethnological speci- 
mens of this continent it surpasses anything in the world. In 
other respects it ranks favorably with the collections of the 
Pliiladelphia Academy of Natural Sciences and the Cambridge 
Museum. 

The collections of the Museum are undergoing rearrange- 
ment, occasioned by the fitting up of the hall on the second 
floor. The arrangement contemplated is the exclusive use of 
the lower main hall for the zoological department. The Gothic 
hall containing ethnological specimens to economical geol- 
ogy, and the W. hall to mineralogy and geology. The latter 
is now finally arranged. In the space on either side of the 
entrance, at the foot of the stairways, will be placed a large 
and valuable collection of plaster casts of the food fishes of 
the United States, made under the direction of Prof. S. F. 
Baird, United States Fish Commissioner. Tlie second floor, 
now being fitted with cases, will contain the extraordinarily 
large ethnological collection relating to the native tribes of 
North America, ancient and modern, and the rich store of 
specimens of the same character, from the Feejee, Samoan, 
Viti, and Sandwich Islands, at the time of the visit of the 
Wilkes exploring expedition . 

Main Hall.— Tliis hall is 200 ft. long, 50 ft. wide, and 25 ft. 
high. The ceiling is supported on two rows of columns. 
Around the hall, against tlie railings of tlie galleries, are the 
heads, complete or skeleton, of various larger animals. That 
at the W. end is of a buflalo, an excellent specimen. Opposite 
the enti-ance is the Register^ in which visitors are requested 
to record their names. Near by, on the r., is a specimen of 
the great auk killed on the island of Eldej'', near Iceland, in 
1834, believed to be extinct, not having been seen alive since 
1844. Owing to its short wings, it was incapable of flight. 
But two other specimens of the bird, and but one other of the 
egs^, is in the United States. 

Commencing on the 1. of the main entrance, the first case 
contains carniverous animals, the next two birds of foreign 
countries, two of birds of North America, and one of foreign 
countries. The table cases between contain shells, and the 
wall cases skeletons and alcoholic specimens. The table 
cases in the centre of the room are filled with a fine collec- 
tion of birds' nests and eggs. In the lower part of the first 
are specimens of ostrich eggs, and a cast of the egg of the 
giant fossil bird of Madagascar. The end wall cases are 
empty, but will, in the rearrangement of the museum, be 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 183 

filled with zoological specimens. In the S. range of cases 
the first two contain birds of IN'orth America, the next three 
of foreign countries, and the last seals, fish, and allig'ators. 
The table cases between are devoted to shells, and tliose 
against the wall to alcoholic specimens. The cases in the 
galleries of the E. part of the Hall contain skeletons of birds. 

In the W. half of the Hall, resuming the S. range of cases, 
the first contains mammals, including a musk ox, female 
chimpanzee, and a cast of a gorilla's head, the next two 
mammals, and the rest corals. The table cases between ex- 
hibit ethnological and those against the wall ethnological 
and alcoholic specimens. 

In one of the recesses in the S. range, in a large jar, is a 
specimen of the devilfish from California. When expanded, 
it measures 8 ft. in diameter. Its shape is that of a star with 
eight points. In another recess on the same side are exhibi- 
tions of beaver cuttings. 

On the r., entering the main N". door, the first case contains 
mammals, embracing the deer and antelope families. Here 
are excellent specimens of the Rocky Mountain sheep and 
goat. The next embraces birds of Kortli America, and the 
remaining four on the same side birds of foreign countries. 
The table cases between contain ethnological and the wall 
alcoholic specimens. 

The first table case in the centre of the W. portion of the 
Hall is devoted to shells above and sliells of turtles below. 
In the second are ethnological specimens relating to tlie 
American Indians. On the E. end of this case is tlie head 
of a Peruvian chief, compressed by an unknown method, 
very rare. 

In the gallery cases are birds and ethnological specimens. 
Against the W. wall, is a case of fish casts and three of 
birds. We here enter the 

Gothic Hall.— This Hall receives its name from the style of 
architecture used, and contains ethnological specimens and 
relics, and other articles of historic interest. It is proposed 
dm-ing the present year to make a general rearrangement of 
the collections of the National Museum. Tliis Hall will then 
be assigned to economic geology. The portrait over the W. 
door represents General Washington, painted by the elder 
Peale. The painting was shipped to Em-ope and captured 
by a French privateer, taken to France, where it was piu'- 
chased and returned to the United States, and ultimately 
came into the possession of the National Institute. 

In the N. range are the collections representing the Ameri- 



184 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

can Indians and Esquimaux of Greenland. In the wall case 
on the W. is the suit and rifle used by Dr. Kane in his Arctic 
exploration ; also the shot gun and rifle used by Captain Hall, 
and rifle of Esquimaux Joe. 

On the S. are the collections relating to China, Japan, Mus- 
cat, and Siam. 

In the E . table case are a number of relics and other ob- 
jects of historical interest. Among these is a fine collection 
of medals awarded to military and naval ofiicers of the Revo- 
lution and subsequent wars ; copies of royal seals of gold and 
silver, presented by William Blackmore, of London ; a few 
odd specimens of ttie Denon and American medals destroyed 
in the fire at the Library of the United States; locks of hair 
of Presidents of the United States; the razor of Captain 
Cook, the navigator; one of the bolts to which Columbus 
was chained ; part of the machinery of the first steamboat 
built by James Rumsey, of Shepherdstown, Va., 1786 ; Chi- 
nese paper money, Japanese manuscript, an interesting 
specimen of handwriting in Greek, arranged in book form ; 
and treaties M^th Turkey, Sweden, Spain, Austria, Prussia, 
France, Russia, and England, and the seal of the United 
States. Among the treaties is the first between France and 
the United States, 1778, and Bonaparte, 1st Consul, 1803. In 
the same case below is an assortment of old arms from the 
Malaj^an Peninsula and China ; also arms of historical inter- 
est. 

On the W. table case is a collection illustrating the pre-his- 
toric period in Europe, embracing man of the drift, reindeer, 
lake dwelling, and shell heap period, down to that of chipped 
and polished stone implements. Among the interesting fea- 
tures of this period are specimens relating to the lake-dwell- 
ing period in Switzerland, and breccia of the reindeer period 
in' England; also, a model of Stonehenge, in that country; 
also, bones from Patagonia, and Indian implements. In the 
same case below are a number of relics of tlie Franklin, Fro- 
bisher, Kane, and Hall I^orth Polar expeditions. 

At the end of the hall is an original tablet containing a high 
order of Mexican hieroglyphics. Beyond the Gothic is the 

West Hall, a fine, well lighted apartment, and assigned to 
the mineralogical cabinet of the National Museum, divided 
into four sections : 

I. General Mineralogical Collection^ occupying the S. and 
the S. end of the E. walls. This embraces 300 species of 
minerals from all parts of the world, and contains many very 
beautiful specimens. 

n. General IdtJiotogical Collection, occupying the entire 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 185- 

W. wall, and composed mainly of specimens. brought back by 
the various Government exploring- expeditions within the 
United States and W. of the Mississippi river, and also sev- 
eral European series. 

III. Ore Collection^ on the N". end of the E. wall, and em- 
bracing ores from a large number of lodes in the Western 
States and Territories. It is proposed to obtain for this col- 
lection a specimen of every worked lode W. of the Mississippi, 
which would then be valuable as a means of comparing ores. 

IV. Metallurgical Collection., in tiie center of the E. wall, 
embraces ores, slags, raw and commercial products, present- 
ing the various interests of this character in the United 
States and foreign countries. 

Against the N. wall, E. side, is a case containing an inter- 
esting collection of geyserites from the iSTational Park on the 
-Yellowstone, gathered by the Hayden Exploring Expedi- 
tion. It is the best and most valuable series of the kind in 
existence. At the S. end of the hall, the table case contains 
the Polaris Collection^ made by Dr. Emil Bossels during the 
United States North Polar Expedition, 1870-73. All the 
specimens were gathered above 80^ N. latitude. The ham- 
mer and piece of powder canister belonged to Capt. Parry's 
Expedition in 1821. He lost his ships on Fury Beach. The- 
next table case on the N. contains stalactites and a very fine 
specimen of sulphur from Sicil.y. The third table contains 
minerals from difterent foreign countries. 

In the centre of the hall is a large group of mineral speci- 
mens, including the Irwin-ainsa Meteorite., from Tucson, Ari- 
zona, weighing 1,400 lbs. It is of ring shape, and measures- 
49 in. in exterior diameter, and 27 in. in opening. The thickest 
part is 17 in. wide. A large mass of native copper from On- 
tonagon, Lake Superior, in early days used by the Indians 
ae a sacrificial altar, and estimated to weigh over 3,000 lbs.. 
The Couch Meteorite^ found by Lieut. D. N. Couch, United 
States Army, in Coahuila, Northern Mexico, and weighing 
250 lbs. It was used as an anvil. The rest of the same 
gi'oup is made up of coals, fossil woods from the Rocky 
Mountains, cinnabar from California, and stalactites and' 
other interesting specimens from difterent parts. 

A card explaining the system of labelling will be found in.i 
the hall. The arrangement of the collection was made by 
Dr. F. M. Endlich, of Penn., mineralogist of the Institution. 

Returning to the main hall, opposite the main N. entrance, 
is the 

S. Vestibule, which contains a number of foreign anti- 
quities. In the centre is the marble Sarcophagus, brought 



186 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

to the United States on the frigate Constitution by Commo- 
dore Jesse D. Elliott, in 1839, from Beirut, Syria. It was 
originally the repository of the remains of the Koman Em- 
peror 4k-lexander Severus. The Sarcophagus was intended 
for the tomb of General Andrew Jackson, and for that pur- 
pose it was otFered in 1845 by Commodore Elliott, but the 
Oeneral replied: "I cannot consent that my mortal body 
shall be laid in a repository prepared for an emperor or a 
Tiing; my republican feelings and principles forbid it; the 
simplicity of our system of government forbids it. Every 
monument erected to perpetuate the memory of our heroes 
and statesmen ought to bear evidence of the economy and sim- 
plicity of our republican institutions, and the plainness of our 
Tcpublican citizens, who are the sovereigns of our glorious 
Union, and whose virtue is to perpetuate it." 

The small marble tablet is from the temple erected by 
lyiiltiades on the plains of Marathon, in honor of his victory 
•over the Persians, 490 B. C. 

In the collection of idols from Central America, the largest, 
■curved in black basalt, and that with a Sphinx-like head-dress, 
are from the island of Momotombita, in Lake Managua. One 
of the others was used by the Indians of the Pueblo of Sub- 
tiava, and two are from the island of Zapatero, in Lake 
Nicaraugua, once the site of the greatest of all the temples 
of the aboriginal people. There are also a cast of an ancient 
oarved stone at Palenque Chiapas, Mexico, the hieroglyphics 
of which have not yet been fully read, and a plank and speci- 
men of bark from the giant redwood tree of California. The 
plank is 12 ft. long and 6^ ft. wide. 

Leaving the main hall by the N. door, the double flight of 
:Steps lead to the Ethnological Hall^ on the second floor, being 
fitted up with walnut cases for the display of the Ethnologi- 
<ial collections of the museum. This hall is of the same di- 
mensions as that on the first floor. In the centre is a cast of 
the extinct megatherium, found at Buenos Ayres, the largest 
"type of the sloth family of the pre-historic age. It is sur- 
rounded by an iron railing with cappings of the existing 
types of the same family. On the E. is a cast of a glypto- 
don, now extinct, the largest representative of the armadillo 
family. In a corresponding position on the W. is the cast of 
a giant turtle found in the Himalaya mountains. In the hall, 
temporarily, are specimens of the extinct Irish elk, a skeleton, 
-and a cast of the animal restored, a buffalo and two skeletons, 
^ moose and one skeleton, a tapir and two skeletons, a gnu, 
deer, and reindeer, and skeletons of a camel and Rockj^- 
mountain sheep. Also other animals, and varieties of sharks, 
sword and torpedo fish, and walrus. Also two kyacks. 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 187 

Secretaries of the Smithsotiian Institution. — 1846, Joseph 
Henry. 

History. — The original fund which led to the foundation 
of the Smithsonian Institution was tlie bequest of James 
Smithson, of England, amounting to $515,169. The founder 
belonged to one of the best families of England. He was 
the son of Hugh, tirst Duke of Northumberland, and Eliza- 
beth, heiress of Hungerfords of Audley and niece of Charles 
the Proud, Duke of Somerset. He was a native of London, 
was educated at Oxford, and took an honorary degree there 
in 1786. At the university he was known as James I^ewis 
Macie, and a few years after leaving took that of Smithson, 
the family name of the ISTorthumberlands. His life was 
mostly spent on the continent of Europe, where he died at 
Genoa in 1828. He was particularly known to the scientific 
world as a skillful chemist, mineralogist, and geologist, on 
each of which subjects he contributed valuable papers. He 
was never married, and hence devoted his entire life to the 
cultivation of his taste for knowledge. He held a high ap- 
preciation of mental endowments, usefully applied, and 
claimed that though in his veins coursed the best blood of 
England his name would outlive that of his ancestors, who 
possessed inherited titles and honors only. It is stated that 
at one time he contemplated leaving his money to the Koj'al 
Society of London, but owing to a disagreement vested it in 
his nephew, Henry James Hungerford, for life, after which 
it was to go to the United States of America ^'' to found,, at 
Washington,, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution^ 
an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge 
among men.'''' The Government of the United States, b}' act 
of Congress of July 1, 1836, accepted the bequest. In the 
same year Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, who had been 
Minister of the United States at the court of King George 
rV, from 1817 to 1825, was designated Commissioner to as- 
sert and prosecute the claim of the United States to the 
legacy. Having obtained the available amount of the be- 
quest he brought it to the United States. It was deposited 
in the Treasury of the United States and invested. 

The permanent Smithson fund in the Treasury of the 
United States, including the original bequest, residuary 
legacy, and savings, and bearing 6 per cent, interest, paya- 
l)le semi-annually in coin, is $6o0,000. In addition to this, 
out of the savings, $450,000 were expended in the erection of 
a building. The expenses of the Institution are paid out of 
the income from the permanent fund, and the ISTational Mu- 
seum by appropriations by Congress. 



188 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

The Institution was legally constituted by act of Congress 
dated August 10, 1846. Tlie administration of affairs was 
intrusted to a Board of Kegents, wlio elected a Secretary, 
charged with the management of tlie business under their 
direction. 

The corner-stone of the building was laid May 1, 1847. 
President Polk and his Cabinet and a large lunnber of citi- 
zens and strangers were present on the occasion. The cere- 
mony was conducted by the fraternity of Masous, the Grand 
Master in charge wearing the apron presented by the Grand 
Lodge of France to Washington through Lafayette. The 
gavel employed was that used by Washington upon the lay- 
ing of the corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States. 
The orator of the day was the Hon. George M. Dallas, of 
Pennsylvania. The building was not entirely completed till 
1856, and at a cost of $450,000. 

The first use of the main hall on the ground floor was for an exhibition given 
by the Mechanics' Institute of Washington in 1856. The next year the build- 
ing was regularly occupied, by the transfer to it of the Government collections 
in the Patent Office, as provided by the act of organization, and which pre- 
viously had belonged to the National Institute for the Promotion ot Science, 
founded in 1840, incorporated 1842, and expired 1858. On the 24th of Jan., 
1865, the Institution suffered a serious calamity, in the destruction of all the 
flammable material of the upper portion of the main building and towers by 
fire. 'I'he losses were of a character, in many instances, which could not be 
replaced, and included the official, scientific and miscellaneous correspond- 
ence record-books, and manuscripts in the Secretary's office, aparatus, />^r- 
sonal effects of Smithscn, tools and instruments, all duplicate copies of 
Smithsonian reports on hand for distribution, and the wood-cuts of illustra- 
tions used in the Smithsonian publications ; also all of a gallery of Indian por- 
traits and other private property. The operations of the Institution, however, 
were not impaired, and the destroyed parts of the building were restored in 
their present fire-proof condition. There was a long controversy as to the 
policy of the Institution. The Government party favored a national library, 
to contain all the trashy productions of the day. This the scientific party 
warded off, and devoted themselves to works in keeping with the spirit of the 
bequest. A general museum was also to be formed. This was probably a less 
practicable enterprise than the former. Capital and income combined were 
not sufficient to make anything worthy of the name. The foundation of a 
gallery of art on the means at command was also an absurdity. A few 
plaster casts and pictures, without any claims to the notice of an intelligent 
student or admirer of art, were accumulated, and fortunately for the reputation 
of the Institution, were destroyed in the fire of 1865. _ • 

In 1866, by act of Congress, the library of the Institution, comprising a 
large and valuable collection of scientific works and transactions of societies in 
all parts of the world, was transferred to the Library of Congress. 

The free lectures, originally contemplated prior to 1865, were patronized 
with more or less ardor, but their novelty soon languished. After 1865 they 
were finally abandoned, and assistance rendered to an association of citizens. 

With the progress of time the Smithsonian Institution has become a kind of 
central head with reference to communication with the scientific institutions 
and societies of other countries. 



CORCOllAN GALLERY OF ART. 



189 




THE CORCORAN UALLERY OF ART. 

CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 

The Galleiy is open Mondays^ Wednesdays^ and Fndays^ 
admission 2o c; Tuesdays, Thursdays^ and Saturdays^ free; 
Jiours^ 10 a. m. to A p. m.from October to Aprils and 10 a. m. 
to 6 p.m. from April to October. The building stands on the 
NE. corner of Pennsylvania av. and 17th St., and was com- 
menced in 1859. From 1861 to 1869 it was occupied by the 
Quartermaster General of the United States Army. 

It is in the renaissance style, and has a frontage of 104 ft. on 
Pennsylvania av., and 124^ ft. on 17tli st. The exterior is 
constructed of brick, with facings, trimmings, and ornaments 
of Belleville freestone. The front on Pennsylvania av. is 
divided into a central pavilion, with a curtain on either side, 
and flanked by two other pavilions, one on either corner, 
and divided into two stories. The central pavilion has ver- 
miculated quoins in the corner, and these inclose the grand 
entrance door with a carved jamb and arch, overtopped with 
fierce tigers' heads, in relievo. The anticom of the first story 
is simple in design and detail, and at the same time corre- 
sponds with the massiveness of the quoins at the corners of 
the building. 

The second storj'- of the central pavilion consists of an 
arched recess. The span between the import and the sufJit 
of the arch is filled AA'ith decorations, and contains the mono- 
gram of the founder, surrounded with carved wreaths and 
enscrollments. Just beneath this there is a palladium win- 



190 CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 

(low, Avith fluted pilasters and columns and capitals, express- 
ing American foliage, exquisitively carved. In the arch are 
two wreaths, encircling various implements of painting and 
sculpture. 

The central pavilion is flanked on either side by two fluted 
columns, with capitals representing the broad leaves and 
fruit of the cornstalk. Tliese support an entablature, on 
which are trophies, representing tlie Arts, on the frieze of 
the central pavilion ; and on tliis are inscribed the words, 
"Dedicated to Art." The cornice over this has a pediment, 
in the tympanum of which is a bass relief, representing the 
Genius of Painting, surrounded by figures emblematical of 
the sister arts. 

The entire structure is surrounded by an imposing Man- 
Bard roof, slated, and carried 10 ft. higher than the ordinary 
roof of the building. The architects were James Kenwick, 
Jr., and E. T. Auchmutj^, of N". Y. The cost of the building 
was $150,000. 

The entrance is on Pennsylvania av., and opens into a ves- 
tibule 25 ft. by 28 ft., from which lead the broad stairs to the 
second story. These stairs are of freestone, 10 ft. wide. On 
each side are passages S^ ft. wide, and leading to the sculp- 
ture hall. The stairs and halls are lighted by two courts. 

The vestibule to the sculptm-e hall is 19 ft. wide by 28 ft. 
long, with two spacious bay windows at the ends. The 
sculpture hall itself is 96|- ft. long by 25 ft. wide, and is 
amply liglited by 10 windows. 

The janitor's apartments are on the r. of the main vesti- 
bule, and just behind them, and connecting with the main 
sculpture hall, are two rooms, one 19 ft. by 43 J ft., the other 
19 ft. square. These rooms can be used for a school of de- 
sign, which it is proposed to establish. 

On the 1. of the vestibule is the trustees' room, 25 ft. by 33 
ft., and adjoining is the library, 20 ft. hy 65 ft. These gal- 
leries are. connected by spacious arched doors. 

The picture galleries are on the second floor. The main 
stairs open into a hall 28 ft. wide by 42 J ft. long, on either 
side of whicli are small galleries. The gi-and picture gallery, 
entered at the head of the stairs, is 45 ft. wide by 96 ft. long. 
There are three small galleries fronting on Pennsylvania av., 
the centre one, being an octagon, is 25 ft. The otlier two 
are 25 ft. by 32 ft. Iii the rear of these, and extending along 
the sides of the building, are two galleries, 19J ft. by 43J ft. 

All these galleries are lighted by skjMights, and are so ar- 
ranged that the quantity can be regulated as desired. These 
galleries are connected with each other by lofty arched doors, 
thus affording a continuous passage around the floor. The 



CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 191 

cornices and ceilings of the various galleries are enriched 
with panel ornaments and moldings representing American 
foliage. The floors are laid on brick arches, which rest on 
iron girders. 

The building was formally conveyed by the donor, W. W. 
Corcoran, Esq., of Wasliington, to a board of trustees in 
1869, who were incorporated in 1870. 

The basis of the collection of paintings and statuary is the 
rare and valuable private gallery of Mr. Corcoran, which cost 
upwards of $100,000. The collections comprise — 

In Statuary^ Powers' Greek Slave, in the octagon room,^ 
second floor, fitted up with reference to the special exhibition 
of tliis very superior work of art. In the same room are 
busts of celebrated men, and other objects of interest. 

In Bronzes^ on the first fioor, two thirds of all the bronzes 
produced by Barye, numbering about 70 pieces. 

In Antiquities^ reproductions of vases, cups, dishes, &q,.j 
discovered in an excavation made at Hildersheim on the site 
of a former Roman camp. 

Of the Paintings^ in tlie grand hall on the second floor, of 
the private collection of Mr. Corcoran, donated to tlie gallery, 
maybe mentioned, "The Adoration of the Shepherds," by 
Mengs, from the collection of Joseph Bonaparte ; " The Flag- 
ellation of Christ," attributed to Van Dyke; an unknown 
Flemish picture, "Ora et Labora," dated 1619; "The Vil- 
lage Doctor," by Vennemen ; "The Happy and Unhappy 
Families," by Brackaleer ; a small Madonna and child, sup- 
posed to be hy Murillo ; a beautiful representation of a storm, 
castle on a promontory, fishermen puzzled over their nets, by 
Joseph Vernet ; copy of Bega's " Child and JSTurse ; " a paint- 
ing by George Morland, representing a countryman coming 
home at sunset; " Shakspeare and His Friends," hj Faed; 
"Mercy's Dream," by Huntingdon; "The Hudson in Au- 
tumn," by Dough t}^; "The Departure and the Return," by 
Cole, very superior ; " Tlie Amazon," by Leutze ; " Milton,'^ 
(playing the organ to Cromwell and his family,) by Leutze ; 
" The Huguenot's Daughter," by Washington ; " Moonrise at 
Madeira," by Hildebrandt, painted for Mr. Corcoran through 
the instrumentalit}^ of Baron v. Humboldt ; a " Winter Scene, ' ' 
by Gignoux ; portraits of Washington, after Gilbert Stuart, 
and Lafaj-ette, by Sully ; Lasteyrie, by Rembrandt Peale ; 
Thomas Sully, the artist, by himself ; Baron Humboldt, by 
Madame Richards, and Henry Clay, by Inman. 

Among the paintings added by purchase are, "The Death 
of Caesar," by Jerome; "Comte de Wirtemberg Weeping 
over the Body of his Son," by Ary Shefter, (the original ^ 
"Spring" and "Twilight, landscapes, by Japy, (Louis;) 



192 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

-**La puit qui paiie," by Vely ; '' Spring Flowers," by Jean- 
nin; "Lost Dogs," by Von Thoren ; "Two Flowers," by 
-Conder ; " Sunset," by Breton ; " Effect of Snow," by Breton; 
^'The Drought in Egypt," by Portael, Avhich won the prize 
gold medal in the competition of 1873 at the Crystal Palace. 

Opposite the main door of the picture gallery is a line life- 
size portrait of Mr. Corcoran at 69 years of age, founder of 
■•the Institution, painted by Charles Elliott in 1867. 

Mr. Corcoran was born in Georgetown, in 1798, and re- 
ceived his education there. He began business as an auction- 
eer and commission merchant. In 1837 he became a banlvcr in 
Washington. In 1840 he became associated with George W. 
Riggs, and retired from business in 1854. Mr. Corcoran still 
enjoys excellent health. 

Among the interesting objects ordered are plaster copies of 
.about two-thirds of the Elgin marbles in the British Museum ; 
-a collection of porcelain and Fayance manufacture ; copies of 
the Baptistry Gates at Florence ; and antiques being cast in 
plaster in Paris and Rome. 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

This long-neglected tribute to the life and character of 
George Washing-ton, occupies a conspicuous site on a small 
plateau near the banks of the Potomac, W. of the Mall, where 
the Tiber formerly emptied into the main stream, and S. of 
the President's House. 

The Monument Grounds., or Parle, as originall}^ designated, 
have an area of 45 a. An avenue 69 ft wide connects Execu- 
tive av. with the Drive which, leaving the lake on the 1., fol- 
lows the line of the river bank, winds around the Monument, 
and communicates with the grounds of the Department of 
Agriculture at 14th st. W. A short distance W. of the Mon- 
ument may be seen the stone wliich marks the centre of the 
District of Columbia. On the hillside to the S. are the Gov- 
^ernment Propagating Garden and Nursery. 

The Design,— The design of the Monument, prepared by 
Robert Mills, comprehends an appropriate National testimo- 
nial to the services of the great citizen in whose honor it was 
founded, and at the same fime symbolizes the Republic estab- 
lished by his patriotism and discretion. It embraces the idea 
of a grand circular colonnaded building, 250 ft. in diameter, 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 



193 




WASHINGTON MONUMENT. 



and 100 ft. high, from which springs an 
obelisk shaft 70 ft. at the base and 500 
ft. high. 

The vast rotunda, forming the grand 
base of the monument, is surrounded by 
30 columns of massive proportions, be- 
ing ]2 ft. in diameter and 45 ft. high, 
elevated upon a lofty base or stylobate 
of 20 ft. elevation and 300 ft. square, 
surmounted by an entablature 20 ft. 
high, and crowned by a massive balus- 
trade 15 ft. in height. 

The terrace outside of the colonnade 
is 25 ft. wide, and the pronaos or walk 
within the colonnade, including the col- 
umn space, 25 ft. The walks inclosing 
the cella, or gallery within, are fretted 
with 30 massive pilasters 10 ft. wide, 45 
ft. high, and 7J ft. projection, answer- 
ing to the columns in front, surmounted 
by their appropriate architrave. The 
deep recesses formed by the projection 
of the pilasters provide suitable niches for the reception of 
statues. 

A tetrastyle portico, (four columns in front,) in triple rows 
of the same proportions and order with the columns of the 
colonnade, distinguishes the entrance to the monument, and 
serves as a pedestal for the triumphal car and statue of the 
illustrious chief. The steps to this portico are flanked by 
massive blockings, surmounted by appropriate figures and 
trophies. 

Over each column, in the great frieze of the entablatures, 
around the entire building, are sculptured escutcheons, (coats 
of arms of each State iii the Union.) surrounded by bronze 
civic wreaths, banded together by festoons of oak leaves, &c., 
all of wliich spring (each way) from the centre of the portico, 
where the coat of arms of the United States is emblazoned. 

The statues sun-ounding the rotunda outside, under the 
colonnade, ai-e all elevated" upon pedestals, and will be those 
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Ascending the portico outside to tlie terrace level a lofty 
vomitoria, (doorway,) 30 ft.liigh, leads into the cella, (rotunda 
gallery,) 50 ft. wide. 500 ft. iii circumference, and 68 ft. liigh. 
with a colossal pillar in the centre 70 ft. in diameter, around 
which tlie gallery sweeps. This pillar forms the foundation 
of the obelisk column above. 

Both sides of the gallery are divided into spaces by pilas- 
]3 " . 



194 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT, ; 

ters, elevated on a contiiiued zocle or base 5 ft. high, formmg 
an order, with its entablature, 40 ft., crowned by a vaulted 
ceiling 20 ft., divided by radiating archevaults corresponding 
with the relative positions of the opposing pilasters, and in- 
closing deep sunken coffers enriched with paintings. 

The spaces between the pilasters are sunk into niches for 
the reception of the statues of the fathers of the Revolution, 
contemporary with Washington ; over which are large tablets 
to receive the national paintings commemorative of the bat- 
tles and other scenes of that memorable period. Opposite to 
the entrance of this gallery, at the extremity of the great cir- 
cular wall, is the grand niche for the reception of the statue 
of the "Father of his Countr}^" elevated on its appropriate 
pedestal, and designated as principal in the group by its co- 
lossal proportions. 

This spacious gallery and rotunda, which properly may be 
denominated the ''national Pantheon," is lighted in 4 grand 
divisions from above. 

Entering the centre pier through an arched way, you pass 
into a spacious circular area, and ascend with an easy grade, 
by a railway, to the grand terrace, 75 ft. above the base of the 
monument. This terrace is 700 ft. in cii'cumference, 180 ft. 
wide, inclosed by a colonnade balustrade 15 ft. high, with its 
ba.^e and capping. The circuit of this grand terrace is studded 
with small temple-formed structures, constituting the cupolas 
of the lanterns, lighting the pantheon gallery below. 

Through the base of the great circle of the balustrade are 4 
apertures at the 4 cardinal points, leading outside of the bal- 
ustrade upon the top of the main cornice, where a gallery 6 
ft. wide and 750 ft. in circumference encircles the whole, in- 
closed by an ornamental guard, forming the crowning mem- 
ber on the top of the tholus of the main cornice of the grand 
colonnade. Within the thickness of this wall staircases de- 
scend to a lower gallerj'- over the plafond of the pronaos of 
the colonnade, lighted from above. This gallery, which ex- 
tends around the colonnade, is 20 ft. wide, divided into rooms 
for the records of the monument, works of art, or studios for 
artists engaged in the service of the monument. Two other 
ways communicate with this gallery from below. 

In the centre of the grand terrace above described rises the 
lofty obelisk shaft of the monument, 70 ft. square at the base, 
and 500 ft. high, diminishing as it rises to its apex, where it 
is 40 ft. square ; at the foot of this shaft, and on each face, 
project 4 massive zocles 25 ft. high, supporting so many co- 
lossal symbolic tripods of victory 20 ft. high, surmounted by 
facial columns with their symbols of authority. These zocle 
faces are embellished with inscriptions, which are continued 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 195 

around the entire base of the shaft, and occupy the surface of 
that part of the shaft between the tripods. On eacli face of 
the sliaf t, above this, is sculptured the four leading events in 
Washington's career in hasso relievo^ and above this the shaft 
is perfectly plain to within 50 ft. of its summit, where a sim- 
ple star is placed, emblematic of the glory which the name of 
Washington has attained. 

To ascend to the summit of the column, the same facilities 
as below are provided within the shaft by an easy-graded gal- 
lery, which may be traversed by a railway terminating in a 
circular observatory 20 ft. in diameter, around which, at the 
top, is a lookout gallery which opens a prospect all around 
the horizon. 

The inner space, or that under the grand gallery or rotun- 
da, may be appropriated to catacombs for the reception of the 
remains of such distinguished men as the nation may honor 
with interment here. 

In the centre of the monument is placed the tomb of Wash- 
ington, to receive his remains, should they be removed thither, 
the descent to which is by a broad flight of steps, lighted by 
the same light which illumines his statue. 

Description, — In its present state the Monument is 174 ft. 
high. It rests on a solid foundation of Potomac gneiss rock, 
81 ft. square at the base, 8 feet below the surface, and 18 ft. 
above, narrowing to 60 ft. square. The base of the obelisk 
is 55 ft. square outside, the walls being 15 ft. thick, and 25 
ft. square inside. The outer surface consists of heavy blocks 
of crj^stal marble, from Maryland, laid in regular courses of 
about 2 ft., and backed to the required thickness by gneiss 
rock, as used in the foundation. The inside of the wall is 
perpendicular, while the outer surface gradually recedes. At 
the summit, when completed, the walls will have a thickness 
of but 2 ft. The interior will be provided with an iron stair- 
case. The tablets alreadj'" built in the interior walls are ar- 
ranged to correspond with the galleries of the proposed 
stairway. 

The Monument, as it now stands, cost $230,000, and was 
six years in building, when the funds ran out. The esti- 
mated cost of the obelisk is $550,000, and pantheon $570,000 
additional. Total, $1,120,000. 

The Monument completed would rank with the loftiest 
works of ancient or modern times, viz : Tower of Babel, 680 
ft. ; Washington Monument completed, 600 ft. ; Cologne 
Catliedral completed, 511 ft. ; Balbec, 500 ft. ; Pyramid of 
Cheops, 480 ft. ; Cathedral, Strasbourg, 474 ft. ; St. Peter's, 
Rome, 458 ft. ; St. Stephen, Vienna, 445 ft. ; Cathedral, Sails- 



196 ARMORY. 

bury, England, 406 ft.; Cathedral, Antwerp, 405 ft.; St 
Paul's Cathedral, London, 404 ft. ; Cathedral, Mian, 400 ft. 

The Lapidarium. — In the low wooden building NE. of the 
Monument may be seen the tablets intended for the interior 
of the Monument, to be placed the same as those already 
used. A keeper, who has charge of the keys, resides on the 
ground, and will exhibit the Monument and tablets, 81 in 
number, to visitors. 

Among the American contributions are a block of native 
copper, weighing 2,100 pounds, from Michigan, and 12 bricks 
from the birthplace of Washington. The contributions from 
abroad are from Mount Vesuvius ; Swiss Republic ; a block of 
granite from the Alexandrian Library, Egypt ; China ; Bre- 
men; Sultan of Turkey; the Temple of Carthage, Africa; 
ancient Egyptian head; Governor and Commune of the 
Islands of Paros and JS'axos ; Temple of Esculapius, island 
of Paros ; Greek Government ; and Japan. 

History. — ^Repeated attempts have been made to erect a 
suitable tribute to the memory of Washington. In 1783 the 
Continental Congress passed a resolution for a National 
Monument. The. site for the Monument, near the prese^it 
undertaking, was approved by Washington himself in the 
first plan of the city. In 1800 a bill passed in one House of 
Congress to erect a "mausoleum of American granite and 
marble in pyramidal form, 100 ft. square at the base, and of 
proportionate height . ' ' 

The Washington National Monument Association, the name 
by which the' association of distinguished gentlemen who 
projected the monument was known, was organized in 1835. 
The amount collected to 1848 was 8230,000. The corner- 
stone was laid July 4, 1848, with Masonic ceremonies, and in 
the presence of 4,000 people. Repeated efforts have since 
been made to effect its completion, but without success. 



ARMORY. 

This building stands on the SE. portion of the Mall, E. of 
the Smithsonian Institution, and fronts on 6th st. W. The 
main entrance is on the E., where a flight of steps leads to 
the drill-rooms on the second and third floors. 

The first fioor is paved and arranged for artillery, there 
being three suitable entrances on the N. and S. sides of the 



CHURCHES. 197 

building:. Each floor is supported by 12 iron pillars, and i3 
provided with gun racks and cases for accoutrements. The 
building is about 103 by 57 ft. In 1853 Congress authorized 
tlie erection of the building, to be used for the care of ord- 
nance arms, accommodation of volunteers and militarj^ of the 
District of Columbia, and for the preservation of military 
trophies of the revolution and other Avars. It was finished in 
1857. The building has long been out of use. It is proposed 
to place it in repair for the purposes for which it was oi'igi- 
nally intended. 



CHUECHES. 



The capital possesses many church edifices which, In ar- 
chitectural display and dimensions, liave kept pace with the 
growth of the population in numbers and affluence. The 
finest are the Meiropoliian Methodist Episcopal, in which are 
also an interesting collection of relics from the Holy Land 
and memorial windows, First Congregational^ Neiv-Yorlc 
Av. Presbyterian^ Epiphany Protestant Episcopal^ Foundry 
Methodist^ Calvary Baptist, and St. Aloysins, Roman Catho- 
lic. Of the colored churches, the Fifteenth St. Presbyterian 
and Nineteenth St. Baptist are very tine structures. 

A list of leading churches and locations will be found in 
General Infoiination. 

In 1794 tlie Washington Parish of the Protestant Episco- 
pal Church, to include the cities of Washington and George- 
town, was formed out of St. John's and St^' Paul's Parishes. 
The parish of Christ Cluu-ch was next created, and the 
clmrcli edifice near the ISJ'avy Yard was erected about 1800. 
For sixteen years it was the only Episcopal place of worship 
in the city. It was attended by Jefferson and Madison. Ser- 
vices are still lield in the same structure. The first Presby- 
terian church services were held in 1793, in the carpenter 
shop used by the Joiners at work on the President's House. 
The first Baptist church began worship in 1802, and com- 
menced a building on the corner of I and 19th sts. NW. in 
1803. The first Presbj'terian church on F st. was established 
in 1803, services being first held in the hall of the Treasury 
building. In 1826 their new building was completed. St. 
Patrick's, Eoman Catholic, was established in 1810. A 
Methodist churcli was erected near the ISTavy Yard in 1805, 
but meetings had been held in the city before. St. John's 
Episcopal Church, on the ?^E. corner of 16th and H sts. 



198 HALLS. 

NW., opposite Lafayette Square, was erected in 1816, from 
designs by Latrobe, the arcliitect of the Capitol. In 1820 it 
was enlarged, and its original form, a Greek cross, was 
changed to a Latin, and a portico and steeple added. Among 
those who attended services here were Presidents Madison, 
Monroe, and Jackson, and the diplomatic representatives of 
England. The first Unitarian chnrch, on 6th and D sts. 
NW., fronting on Louisiana av., was erected in 1824. 



HALLS. 



There are a number of halls in various parts of the city. 

Masonic Temple is on the I^W. corner of F and 9th sts. 
NTV., entrance on F St., and was erected by the Masonic Hall 
Association. The corner-stone was laid in 1868. The build- 
ing is of granite and Connecticut and Nova Scotia freestone, 
and cost $200,000. The two exposed faces are tastefully en- 
riched with an appropriate introduction of Masonic symbols. 
The ground-floor is occupied by stores, and the second by a 
public hall, 100 by 48 ft. and 25 ft. high, and retiring rooms. 
The hall has been the scene of some of the most brilliant 
balls and State sociables given at the capital. In the third 
story are the Blue Lodges of Masonry, and in the fourth the 
Ko3'^al Arch Chapters and Commanderies. The furniture and 
fittings of the lodges are of superior quality, aiid are unsur- 
passed in any similar place ia the country. A lodge of ]Ma- 
sons was establisiied in the earliest days of the capital. Prior 
to 1816 there were two which assembled in a building on the 
borders of the river. Under the pavement of the Temple, on 
the S. front, is what was formerly known as the City Spring. 

Odd Fellows' Hall, situated on 7th st. W., bet. D and E 
sts. The earlier building was dedicated in 1846, and erected 
out of funds subscribed by the lodges and members meeting 
in the central part of the city. It was remodeled in 1873. It 
has a granite base and pressed-brick superstructure, with gal- 
vanized-iron pilasters, jambs, caps, and cornice, and is sur- 
mounted by three domes, that in the centre raised above the 
others. The ground-floor is occupied by stores. The stair- 
way at the main entrance leads to the main hall, on the sec- 
ond floor. The hall is 100 by 40 ft. and 22 ft. high, and fitted 
with a stage of 21 ft. additional, at the E. end. It is princi- 
pally designed for balls, concerts, and lectm*es. Adjoining 



NEWSPAPER OFFICES. 199 

are ladies' retiring and gentlemen's cloak-rooms. Tlie tliird 
floor contains two lodge and one Encampment rooms. The 
Library^ on the same floor, for the use of members of the 
Order and their families, contains a fine collection of books. 
The first Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
was established in the District of Columbia in 1827 ; the 
Grand Lodge followed in 1828. 

Lincoln Hall, — This fine structure stands on the KE. cor- 
ner of 9th and D sts. NW. It is built of Seneca brownstone, 
with iron trimmings, is three stories high, surmounted by a 
Mansard roof. The corner-stone on the SW. bears the in- 
stription, " Y. M. C. A., Nov. xxvii, mdccclxvii. Jeho- 
vah JiREH." The building was erected by a joint stock 
company chartered by act of Congress in 1867, and was com- 
pleted in 1869, at a cost of $200,000. On tlie ground floor are 
stores. There are two entr^ances to the upper floors : tlie main 
one to the Library and Beading Koom and Lincoln Hall on 
D St. ; the smaller, on 9th st. 

The Free Beading Room and Library a,nd the Parlors of the 
Association {open to the public every day except Sunday^ from 
9 a. m. to IQp. m.) are on the second floor under the Hall, en- 
trances on both sts. The Library contains about 17,000 vols., 
including the leading secular and religious newspapers of the 
country. The Washington City Library, founded in 1814, 
has been consolidated with it. 

On the same floor is Lincoln Hall^ the finest lecture or con- 
cert hall in the city, which will seat about 1,300 people. 
During each mnter a course of lectures is given under the 
auspices of the Association. In its scientific course, the As- 
sociation is aided by the Smithsonian Institution. In addition 
to Lincoln Hall there is a smaller hall, used for religious and 
social gatlierings of the Young Men's Christian Association, 
which are held tw^ce daily, at noon and 6p.m. Open to all. 

Willard's Hall, on F St., between 14th and 15th sts. W., 
also affords excellent accommodations for concerts or theatri- 
cals. 



NEWSPAPER OFFICES. 

The buildings occupied hj two of the principal newspapers 
of the city will compare favorably in completeness, if not in 
size, with the best structures of the kind in the country. 



INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING. 



201 



UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES. 

The public institutions of the national Capital afford un- 
rivaled facilities for professional and collegiate education. 




NATIONAL MEDICAL COLLEGE. 

The National Medical College of the Columbian University, 
on H St., between 13th and 14th sts. N. AV., was founded in 
1824. The buildin.j^ was the gift of W. W. Corcoran, 1864, 
cost 840.000, was originally intended for a mechanics' library 
and lectures, contains two lecture rooms., with aute rooms^i 
chemical laboratory., and dissecting room. In winter the jan- 
itor ^vill admit visitors. The Dispensary is open dailj', except 
Sunday, £i-om 1 to 3 p. m., to the poor. The Law Depart- 
ment^ Columbian University., established 1826. occupies a 
building on 5th St., between D and E sts. N. W. 

The Medical and Law Departments of Georgetown College., 
respectively established in 1851 and 1870, occupy buildings 
on the corner of 10th and E sts. and F between 9th and 10th 
sts. iST. W. In the former is the Central Dispensary., open 
daily, except Sunday, from 1 to 3 p. m. 

The Gonzaga College., on I, between North Capitol and 
1st sts. N. w!, was founded in 1848 as the Washington Sem- 
inarj'', and incorporated as a university in 1858. It is con- 
ducted by the fathers of the Society of Jesus, for day scholars 
only. 



202 



SCHOOLS. 



SCHOOLS. 



The Public Schools are among the promineiit features of the 
N'ational Capital. Of the buiMngs are the Franklin^ 1st dis- 
trict, cor. 13th and K sts. KW., brick, 148 X 79 ft., basement 
and three stories, erected in 1869, and contains 14 school-rooms. 
This is said to be one of the finest school buildings in the Uni- 
ted States. The Seaton^ 2d district, on I, bet. 2d and 3d sts. 
NW., brick, 94 X 67 feet, basement and 3 stories, erected in 
1871. The Wallach, 3d district, Pennsylvania av., bet. 7th 
and 8th sts. SE., bribk, 99 X 76 ft., basement and three sto- 
ries, erected in 1864. The Jefferson^ 4th district, cor. of 6th 
and D sts. SW., brick, 172 X 88 ft, basement and 3 stories, 
with 20 school-rooms, erected in 1872. This is the largest 
school building in the city. It will accommodate 1,200 pupils. 
It is named after Thomas Jefferson, President of the United 
States, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Public 
Schools of Washington, and president of the same 1805-'08. 
There are also fine grounds. 

In the four school districts there are 43 school buildings, 
owned or rented by the city. The oldest still standing was 
erected in 1800 for a stable, cor. 14th and G sts. NW. 

The Colored Schools are distinct from those attended by 
white children. Prior to 1862 there were no colored public 
schools. Subsequently the schools were under charitable 
associations of the North. 

The fii-st building was erected in 1866, on the square now 
occupied by the Sumner building. 

The Sumner Building^ on the NE. corner of M and 17th 
sts. IS'W., was completed in 1872, at a cost of $70,000. It is 
94 ft. long, by 69 ft. wide, and has a basement, 3 stories, and 
a trussed roof. In it are 10 school-rooms. There are 13 
public schools for colored children. 

The annual expenditures are about $318,000, One third 
of this sum is set apart for colored schools. The total school 
population is 17,403. In 1805 the revenues for the support 
of schools were derived from the net proceeds of taxes on 
slaves, dogs, licenses for carriages and hacks, ordinaries and 
taverns, selling wines and spirits, billiard tables, hawkers 
and pedlers, theatres and other public amusements. In 1806 
there were the E. and W. academies. In 1826 the schools 
were supported by lottery. There is now a school tax. The 
public schools were quartered in rented rooms, prior to the 
dedication of the WaUach building, in 1864. 



ASYLUMS. 



ASYLUMS. 



203 



There are a number of public and private institutions for the 
destitute and sick. 

Naval Hospital {open after 12 noon, during the week^ if no 
severe cases) occupies the square between 9tli and 10th sts. 
E. and E st. S. and Pennsylvania av. It is accessible from 
the Pennsylvania av. street cars (red) for the Navy Yard, at 
E St. The hospital is under the Bureau of Medicine and 
Surgery of the N'avy dcDartment, and is open to officers and 
men of the navy and marine corps. The building consists 
of a three-story brick edifice, with mansard, and possesses 
accommodations for 50 patients. There is a reading-room for 
convalescents. A medical director in the navy is in charge. 
K'aval discipline is observed. 

National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, on G st. be- 
tween 17th and 18th sts. NW., {open to visitors every day^ 
except Sunday^ after 9 a. m.,) was incorporated by Congress 
in 1866, and is supported by Government appropriations. It 
is under the direction of a Board of Lady Managers, and is for 
the support and education of the orphans of the national sol- 
diers or sailors who were killed or died of wounds in the re- 
bellion of 1861-'6o. No applicants are received younger than 
6 years, nor retained after 16 years. 

Columbia Hospital for Women, and Lying-in Asylum, 
incorporated 1866, {visiting days Tuesdays and Fridays^ from 
10 a. m. to 4 p)- ^m) is on the corner of L and 2oth sts. NW. 
The general wards for 50 patients are free to the wives of sol- 
diers, on the permit of the Surgeon General ; to women of 
other States, on permit of the Secretary of the Interior ; and 
to women of the District, on permit of the Governor. There 
are also private rooms and special wards for 30 patients, for 
the use of which a small compensation is required. Connected 
with the hospital is an operating room^ used for free patients 
only, and open every Saturday at 3.30 p. m., to students of 
medicine in the District. In the W. wing is a dispensary^ 
open every daj^, where the poor receive medicines and treat- 
ment free. The institution is principally supported by the 
National Government. 

"Washington Asylum {open every day, except Sunday) is sit- 
uated in the extreme E. portion of the city, on the public 
reservation, No. 17, laid out for the purpose. It may be 
reached in 15 min. along C st. S., leaving the Pennsylvania 



20^ 



ASYLUMS. 



av. street cars (red) at that point. The mstitution combines 
an asylum for the poor of the District, and a work-house for 
persons convicted in the police courts of minor crimes except 
theft. There are accommodations in the brick buildings for 
180 persons. The first building was erected in 1815, but the 
present one in 1859. On the IST. is the District jail, and S. the 
District nurseries, and bej^ond, the Army and ISTaw maga- 
zines. About I m. distant, SW., is the ''Congressional" 
Cemetery. 

Louise Home, {open to visitors every day^ except Sunday^ 
after 12 noon,) erected in 1871, was the gift of Mr. Corcoran. 
It is situated on Massachusetts av., bet. 15th and 16th sts. 
W. Its design is for gentlewomen of education and refine- 
ment, but reduced to povertj^ It is named after the wife 
and daughter of Mr. Corcoran, both deceased. The build- 
ing, a commodious structure, was erected and furnished un- 
der the personal supervision of Mr. Corcoran, and, with the 
grounds, cost $200,000, and lias accommodations for 55 per- 
sons. The institution is under tlie direction of a board of 
trustees, and has an endowment of $250,000. The Inmates 
are invited by the board of directresses. 

Providence General Hospital, cor. 2d and D sts. SE., (open 
every day ^ from 10 ?^o 12 a m. and 2 to 4 p. m.) The hospital 
is owned and under the care of the Sisters of Charity. It 
was founded in 1862, incorporated in 1864, and the present 
building commenced in 1867. It is about 280 ft. long, of 
brick, and will accommodate 250 patients. Towards the 
erection of the building, through Thaddeus Stevens, of Penn., 
Congress appropriated $30,000. There is now an annual ap- 
propriation for 75 non-resident paupers. Indigent persons 
receive permits from the Surgeon General of the Army, but 
any one applying is taken in. The accommodations for pay 
patients are very superior. Tliere is a medical start" of 12 
ph5ssicians ; also,"^ a reading-room, library, chapel, and oper- 
ating-room. 

The Washington City Orphan Asylum, on I, bet. 2d and 33 
sts. NW.. was founded in 1815, Dolly P. Madison, wife of the 
President of the United States, being first directress and Mrs. 
Van Ness second. It was incorporated in 1828, and tlie cor- 
ner-stone of the first building was laid by Mrs. Van N'ess on 
Mausoleum square, on H, bet. 9th and 10th sts. NW., the- 
burial-ground of the Burns family. The building is now oc-^ 
cupied^by the St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum. It is under 
the direction of the benevolent ladies of the city. The present. 



ASYLUMS. 



205 



building is but temporarily occupied, that erected for the per- 
manent use of the Asylum being now rented by the Depart- 
ment of State. 

Children's Hospital, on E, bet. 8th and 9th sts. ISTW., (visit- 
ing days Sundays^ Tuesdays^ and Fridays^ from 3 to b }). m.,) 
incorporated in 1871. It is under the patronage of benevo- 
lent ladies and gentlemen, of the city, and has for its object 
the free provision of surgical and medical treatment for the 
helpless children of the District between the ages of 15 mos. 
and 15 yrs. Admissions through the Board Physicians. The 
sick of the City Orphan Asylum are also treated here. There 
is a free dispensary connected with the hospital, open to all 
every day except Sunday, from 12 m. to 3 p. m. 

St. Jolm's Hospital, for children, {visiting days Mondays 
and Thursdays^ from 2 to 5 p. m.,) on I, bet. 20th and 21st 
sts. NW., is under the St. Jolm's Sisterhood of the Episcopal 
Church. The Hospital will shortly occupy its new premises, 
on H, bet. 19th and 20th sts. NW. 

St. Ann's Infant Asylum, founded in 1863, is on the corner 
of K and 24tli sts. IS^VV., {visiting days Thursdays^ from 2 to 5 
p. m.) It is under the management of the Sisters of Charity, 
and for the children, under 5 years, of the poor. There is a 
lying-in hospital attached . 

St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum, founded in 1855, (visit- 
ing days Saturdays^ from 2 to 5 p. -m.,) on H, bet. 9th and 10th 
sts. NW., is under the care of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. 
The male children at St. Ann's, arriving at 5 years of age, 
are sent here. The building previously belonged to the 
Washington City Orphan Asylum, and was purchased in 
1866. 

St Vincent's Pemale Orphan Asylum, founded in 1831, 
(visiting every day^ except Saturday and Sunday, bet. 9 and 11 
a. w.,) is on the SW. cor. of H and 10th sts. jSTW. It is under 
the care of the Sisters of Charity. To this are transferred the 
female children at St. Ann's arriving at 5 years of age. 

A branch of this asylum, St. Rose''s Orphan Home, estab- 
lished in 1871, and owned and cared for by the Sisters of 
Charity, is situated on G, bet. 20th and 21st sts. NW. Here 
the children, 13 years of age, are sent and taught a trade. 
It is open at any time, and sewing of all kinds for ladies and 
children is taken. 

The Epiphany Church Home is on H, bet. 14th and 15th 
sts. W. 



CEMETERIES. 



The Home for the Aged, under the Little Sisters of the 
Poor, is on the NW. cor. of 3d and H sts. NE. 



CE]\rETEKIES. 

Two squares known as the Eastern and Western Burial- 
gTounds, were allotted by the Government, in the beginning 
of the present century, for the interment of the dead. The 
Eastern^ which stood in the eastern part of the city, was re- 
moved a few years since. The Western^ later known as 
Holmead Cemetery^ on 19th st., bet. S and T sts. NW., is be- 
ing removed. Here, for 40 j^ears, rested the remains of Lo- 
renzo Dow, removed to Oak Hill Cemetery in 1874. 

Oongressional (or Washington Parish) Cemetery, {open every 
day^ except Sunday,) is situated on the banks of the Anacos- 
tia, and is accessible from the Washington and Georgetown 
Street Railway East, 
along E. St. S., dis- 
tant ^ m. The Cem- 
etery, laid out in 
1807, originalh^ com- 
prised about 10 a., 
but now embraces 30 
a. The name Con- 
gressional originated 
from the fact that a 
number of sites are 
set apart for the in- 
terment of members 
of Congress, in re- 
turn for Government 
donations of land and 
money. The small 
freestone cenotaphs, 
to the memory of de- 
ceased members of 
Congress, form a conspicuous 
adonied with drive 
large fountain. 

The oldest graves lie IST. of the lodge, and are of date 1804-5. 
Near the superintendent's lodge is the grave of Commodore 
Tingey, second in command in tlio Algerinc war. IntheNE. 
portion lies George Clinton, of New York, Vice President 
of tlie United States, died in 181 1 . and Elbridge GeiT3% of MasS' 




CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY, CENOTAPHS. 



feature, 
walks, trees, shrubs 



The grounds are 
evergreens, and a 



n 



CEMETERIES. 



207 



achusetts, signer of the Declaration of Independence and 
Vice President of the United States, died in 1814. This 
monument was erected by act of Congress. ISTot far off is 
the grave of Tobias Lear, private secretary and friend of 
G-eorge Washington, died in 1816. ISTear by are the graves 
of John Forsyth, Secretary of State, and Commodore Mont- 
gomerj^ On the 1. of tlie wallc is the monument of Pus-ma- 
ta-ha, a Choctaw chief, the wliite man's friend, wlio died at 
Washington in 1824. Further on is tlie monument to Wil- 
liam Wirt, Attorney General of the United States 1817-1829, 
died 1834. On the 1. of the carriage road, near the fountain, 
is the grave of General Alexander Macomb, Commander-in- 
chief of the United States Army, who died 1841. This mon- 
ument is a handsome piece of workmanship, appropriately 
embellished and inscribed. A few feet off stands a broken 
shaft over the remains of Major General Jacob Brown, Com- 
mander-in-chief of the United States Army, died 1828. 

In the same vicinity is a monument to Abel Parker Up- 
shur, Secretary of the Navy 1841, Secretary of State 1843, 
died 1844, and Captain Kennon, killed by the explosion of 
the great gun on board tlie United States frigate Princeton. 
A few paces off stands the collossal monument to Joseph 
Lovel, Surgeon General of the United States Army, died 
1836. ifear by is the monument erected to Major General 
George Gibson, U. S. A., Commissary General of Subsist- 
ence," 1861, and to Frederick Rogers, midshipman in the 
United States ISTavy, dro^vned at Norfolk, Va., 1828, while 
making efforts to save Midshipmen Slidell and Harrison, his 
friends and companions in life and deatli. 

Among others are the Wainwright family, consisting of 
Commodore Richard Wainwright, Bvt. Lt. Col. R. Auch- 
matty Wainwri.o-ht, Bvt. Lt. Col. Robert DeWar, of the 
United States Navy. All of these lie in the Wainwright 
vault, in tlie southern extremity of the grounds. In the S. 
portion is the tomb of Alexander Dallas Bache, Superin- 
tendent of United States Coast Survey service. Also a mar- 
ble monument, representing a broken ship's mast, to George 
Mifflin Bache, of the brig Washington, and his associates, 
who perished at sea on Septembei"3, 1846, in a hurricane. 
Not far distant is the monument erected to the young ladies 
killed by the arsenal explosion. 

The vaults and lots of some of the oldest citizens of the 
District are also in this cemetery. 

The public vault, erected by Congress, lies SE. of the 
entrance, about the centre of the cemetery. It is a massive 
structure, entered by an iron door, which leads through a 
passage to a second iron door. 



208 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. 



DISTRICT GOVERNMEN^T. 

The provisional government of the District of Columbia 
occupies a buildino- on 4J st. W., near Pennsylvania av. It 
is proposed to erect a suitable edifice on the space immedi- 
ately N. of the Centre Market. 

Pire Department. — The force consists of 5 Steam Fire En- 
gines, 1 Hoolv and Ladder Company, with officers and 4 
horses and 10 men to each Engine. The service is under a 
Board of Fire Commissioners. There is also a Fire Alarm 
Telegraphy with the Central Station at Police Headquarters. 
The buildings were erected by the city, and have ever)' con- 
venience. The foreman will show visitors everytliing of 
interest. The companies are located, No. 1, K St., bet. 16th 
and 17th W.; Ko. 2, D St., near 12th NW. ; N'o. 3, Capitol 
Hill, Delaware av. NE. of the Capitol: No. 4, Virginia av., 
bet. 4J and 6th sts. SW. ; No. 5, High St., near Bridge; 
Hook and Ladder, Massachusetts av., bet. 4th and 5th sts. 

In the early days housekeepers were required to have a certain number of buckets, 
with their names, for each story. In 1835 there were two fire engines, and in 1846 
ficvcn. In 1.861 the National Government engaged the services of the Hibernia 
Steam Fire Engine, of Philadelphia, and brought the first steamer to Washington, 
as a means of protection for the immense quantities of Government stores. In 1864 
the paid system went into operation. The Government then owned three steam fire 
engines, and the corporation three, and one Hook and Ladder Company. In 1869 
the Government steamers were withdrawn. 

Metropolitan Police. — This was established in 1861. In 
1866 a police telegraph was constructed. The police force 
•consists of 238 officers and men, with duties extending 
throughout the entire District. There are 8 precincts. 

District Jail. — The present jail of the District of Columbia 
is a three-storied brick structure, on reservation No. 9, and 
on the SW. corner of Gr and 4th sts. A new Jail, more suita- 
ble to the necessities of the District, is being erected on Res- 
ervation No. 13, immediately N. of the Washington Asj^lum. 

The plan has an outer range of one-storied buildings of solid masonry, forming 
the enclosure of the jail proper. The latter is built of Maryland (Seneca) stone, 
brick, and iron, four stories high, with ranges of cells on each floor, 300 in all. Be- 
tween the inner building and the outer walls there is a space of 16 ft. under the 
surveillance of the guards. 

The building is 310 by 193 ft., and from the stone base to the main cornice ;o ft. 
high, to the ridge 68 ft., and to the top of the cupola 90 ft. On either end of the 
building are ventilating shafts 86 ft. high, and, in conjunction with steam pipes 
under each tier of cells, preserve a regular temperature. The centre of the building 
forms a guard room 77 x 61 ft., from the floor of which springs the staircases to 
each tier of cells. The W. projection contains the warden's office, guard and 
witness rooms ; the E., a chapel and kitchen ; the basement, the laundry and bath 
rooms. The structure was designed by A. B. Mullett, commenced in 1872, and 
cost 8400,000. It can be easily converted into a penitentiary. 



THE MARKETS. 209 



THE MAKKETS. 

The country around the ISTational Capital produces fine 
vegetables of all descriptions, and the Potomac river and 
Chesapeake Bay aflbrd not only fish and oysters unexcelled 
and in g-reat quantities, but admirable facihties for supplying 
the Markets with the earlier produce of more southern lati- 
tudes. The best qualities of meats and the finest game, 
aquatic and field, are also oflered for sale at cheaper rates 
than other large cities. There are four principal markets in 
the city, two already accommodated with very fine perma- 
nent buildings. Strangers would find the markets a most 
interesting place for a visit. 

The largest is the Centre Market^ erected by the Washington 
Market Company in 1870, comprising tlu-ee commodious brick 
structin-es — a central building and two wings — length from 
E. to W., 410 ft., and which occupy the S. half of the square 
between 7tli and 9th sts. W., on tlie S. side of Pennsjdvania 
av., and accessible by horse cars on that av. and 7th and 9th 
sts. Market every day. 

The Eastern Market^ on Capitol Hill, at the junction of 7th 
St. E. and North Carolina av., completed in 1873, is also a 
fine large brick structure. 

The JVesfern Market^ on K between 20th and 21st sts. XW.. 
and the Northern Market^ between 6th and 7th and O and P 
sts. KW., at present temporarily occupy sheds. Brick struc- 
tures of large dimensions are now in course of erection for 
their accommodation. In the original plan of the city, 1791, 
there were three reservations for the E., W., and Centre 
Markets ; the latter, however, is the only one erected on the 
site originally set apart. 

The Northern Liberty Market^ on 5th, bet. K and L sts. 
.NVV., J. H. McGill, architect, erected 1874-'o by the North- 
ern Liberty Market Companj^ is one of the finest market 
structures in the United States. It is of brick, 324 ft. long. 
126 ft. wide, and 105 ft. total height. The roof rests upon 
■massive iron girders, the largest of the kind in the world, 
which form an imposing arcli the entire widtli of tlie build- 
ing. 1\\ the butchers' portion tliere are 28 sections, 17 x 19 ft., 
€ach containing 4 stalls. Cost. 6140,000. On the E. is a 
paved space for tlie accommodation of market wagons. 

14 



210 PLACES OF HISTORICAL INTEREST. 



PLACES OF HISTOKICAL IXTEKEST. 

The residence of Gen. J. P. Van :N"ess still stands on what 
was known as Mansion Square, about 6 a., at the foot of 17th 
St. W.,between B and C sts. N"., and where the Tiber then 
emptied its waters into the Potomac. It was previously the 
residence of David Burns, one of the original proprietors of , 
the site of Washington, who owned, by inheritance through 
several generations of Scottish ancestors, what now consti- 
tute the linest portions of the city. Gen. Van Ness, a repre- 
sentative from New Yorl^, by his marriage, about 1802, with 
Marcia Burns, sole heiress of the Burns estate, enlarged the 
buildings, erected green houses, planted trees and fi-uits, and 
made other improvements, then considered very superior. 
The place was then one of the finest in the country. The 
square is enclosed bv a brick wall, with a fine gateway and 
two lodges. Many of the venerable trees are still growing. 
The Van Ness warehouse, on the line of 17th St., is still stand- 
ing, though very dilapidated. The Washington canal ran just 
S.'of it. Attorney General William Wu-t occupied the fine 
old mansion, now the National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan 
Asylum, on G St., between 17th and 18th sts. W. The Old 
Capitol, now converted into private residences, stands on the 
NW. corner of A and 1st sts. NE. Congress met here after 
the burning of the Capitol in 1814. During the war it was 
used as a political prison. Wirz, the prison keeper of Ander- 
sonville, was executed here. 

On North Carolina av., between 1st and 2d sts. SE., staiids 
the venerable mansion of Duddington, owned by Daniel Car- 
roll, one of the original proprietors of the site of Washington, 
and one of the three commissioners appointed in 1791 to su- 
perintend the buUding of the city. 



SECTION Y. 

ENVIRONS OF WASHINGTON. 



EORGETOWN", the poH of entry of the Dis> 
trict of Columbia, population 15,000, lies N. "W» 
of Washington, separated by Rock creek, and is at 
the head of navigation of the Potomac river. It 
was laid out by George Gordon and George Beall, 
and incorporated in 1789. The site is peculiarly 
picturesque. The ^''heights,'''' dotted with villas^ 
overlook a vast sweep of country, the Potomac and adjacent 
Capital. Georgetown before 1800 enjoyed considerable local 
importance, and a brisk river, coast, and foreign commerce. 





Copyright^ 1874, DeB. R. Keim. 

GEORGETOWN AND AQUEDUCT. 

Georgetown may be reached from Washington by the^ 
Metropolitan, F St., (Georgetown cars,) and the Washington 
and Georgetown, Pennsylvania av. horse cars. Arriving by 
the former at Washington St., a short walk leads to Oak 
Hill Cemetery., {open every day except Sundays and holidays, 
from sunrise to sunset.) The original grounds, 10 a., incor- 
porated by Congress, 1849, was the gift of W. W. Corcoran^ 



212 



GEORGETOWN. 




VAN NESS MAUSOLEUM. 



from whom it has an endownent of $120,000. The present 
area is 30 a. It occupies a romantic spot, formerly Parrott'S 
woods, on the north- 
ern slope of George- 
town Heights, at the 
"base of which winds 
Kock creek, and has a 
Hue chapel and public 
vault of the time of 
Henry VIII. 

Here is the Van Ness Mau- 
soleum, designed by Hadfield, 
.after the Temple of Vesta at 
Rome, erected by Gen, Van 
l^ess, and containing the re- 
mains of the General and his 
wife, Marcia Van Ness, nee 
Burns, of the family of David 
Burns, one of the original pro- 
prietors of Washington. It 

iformerly stood on H, bet. 9th and lolh sts. NW., Washington. In this Cemetery 
are the Corcoran Mausoleum, in white marble, Linthicum Memorial Chapel, the 
:graves of Chief Justice Chase, Secretary Stanton, Generals Towson, of the war of 
1812, Plummer and Reno, killed in i86i-'65. Commodore Morris, distinguished in 
!the Algerine war, and Lorenzo Dow, the religious enthusiast, removed from Hoi 
.mead Cemetery in 1S74. 

Returning to the same line of street-cars, and alighting on 
the r. side, at Market St., at the head of the street is the George- 
ioivn High-Service Reservoir. The same point may be reached 
by turning to the r. outside the cemetery gate, and follow- 
ing Road St. to the corner of High. It consists of a domical 
reservoir, of brick, 120 ft. in diameter^ with a capacity of 
1,000,000 galls., and is fed from the Aqueduct mains at the 
bridge over Rock creek by 2 pumps. The surface-water is 
.215 ft. above tide and 70 ft. above the Distributing Reservoir. 
It supplies all that part of Georgetown over 100 ft. above tide. 

Descending the st. a short distance towards the city, and 
following the track to Fayette st., on the opposite corner is 
the Convent of the Visitation^ founded in 1799, but not now 
open to visitors. The Academy^ under tlie care of the Sisters 
of the Visitation, was founded at the same time, and occupies 
the building on the IST., rebuilt in 1873, and is open to visitors 
on Wednesdays and Saturdays after 12 noon. The entrance 
is by the door of the new building, where visitors will be re- 
ceived and conducted through the school. There are two de- 
partments : primary for girls from 6 to 12 years, and senior, 
for young ladies of all school ages. There is a fine philosoph- 
ical apparatus, chemical laboratory, and library. The Acade- 
my grounds comprise 40 a. Attached to the Convent is a vault 
containing the remains of Archbishop N"eale, second Bishop 
•of Baltimore, and founder of the institution, tlie daughter of 
Madame Yturbide, and the daughter of Gen. Winfield Scott, 



214 GEORGETOWN. 

a religieiise of the order. It is the oldest in the country. 
At the W. end of 2d st., Georgetown, is Georgetown College^ 
{open every day except Sunday^) founded in 1789, raised to a 
University in 1815, and the oldest Roman Catholic College 
In the countr5\ It is under tlie care of the Fathers of the 
Society of Jesus. 

The original building, of imported brick, is still standing on the S., and is flanked 
by two of more modern construction. Boys of all ages arc received and carried 
through an entire course of instruction. The library contains jo,ooo volumes, 
amongst which are many rare and curious works. There are loo volumes printed 
between 1460 and 1520, and three manuscripts anterior to 1400, and others later. In 
the Museum is a valuable collection of coins and medals and relics of Commodore 
Decatur. The Observatory is 400 yds. distant, on the W. (For Medical and Law 
Departments see page 201.) 

There are also fine Custom and Market Houses, Post Office, 
and many beautiful church edifices. On 2d and Potomac sts. 
is the Piiblic School^ 79x97 ft.', built 1874, of Potomac Seneca 
stone, brick, and iron ; has 3 stories, basement, and Mansard, 
was designed by Adolf Cluss, and cost $70,000. 

The building contains 8 school-rooms, a room for the Linthicum Institute and the 
Ptabody Library, and a Hall capable of seating 900 persons. The Linthicum Insti- 
tute was founded in 1872 by Edward Linthicum, a retired hardware merchant of 
Georgetown, deceased 1872, who by will left $50,000 for the education of poor 
white boys. The Peabody Library fund, $22,000, was one of the numerous bene- 
factions of the American philanthropist and millionaire George Peabody. 

At the foot of the liill is the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. 

The Potomac Company, chartered by Maryland In 1784, completed a canal before 
iScoaround the Little and Great Falls These efforts were followed by the charter, 
by Congress, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, of the present enterprise. 
Work was commenced in 1828. The object was the connection of tide-water on the 
Potomac with the head of navigation on the Ohio, a distance of j6o m. In 1841 
the canal was opened lo Cumberland, 182 m , at a cost of $ij,ooo,ooo, of which 
Maryland subscribed $5,000,000, the United States $1,000,000, Washington, 1,000,- 
000, and Georgetown, Alexandria, and Virginia, each, $250,000. Cumberland re- 
mains the terminus. The execution of the enterprise was a work of great difficulty. 
There are 75 locks of 100 ft. in length, 15 ft. in width, and averaging 8 ft. lift; 11 
aqueducts crossing the Monocacy river, consisting of 7 arches of 54 ft span ; also 190 
culverts of various dimensions, some sufficiently spacious to admit of the passage of 
•wagons. The canal is fed by a number of dams across the Potomac, varying from 
500 to 800 ft. in length, and from 4 to 20 ft. elevation. The breadth of the canal is 
60 ft. for the first 60 m. above Georgetown, and for the remaining distance to Cum- 
berland 50 ft., with a uniform depth of 6 ft. The entire lift is about 600 ft The 
aqueducts, locks, and culverts are constructed of stone laid in hydraulic cement. 
The tunnel through the " Pawpaw Ridge" is J, 118 ft. in length and 24 ft. in diam- 
eter, with an elevation of 17 ft. clear of the surface of the water. The canal con- 
nects with Rock creek. From this point a canal, now out of use or filled, extended 
across Washington to the Anacostia. The canal to Cumberland opens the im- 
mensely valuable and rich coal sections of western Maryland and West Virginia. 
The unfinished portion of the canal trom Cumberland to Pittsburg is 178 m. 

The Alexandria Canal, incorporated by Congress in 1830, 
crosses the Potomac on a line Aqueduct 1,400 ft. long and 36 
ft. above high water. The piers are embedded 17 ft. in the 
bottom of the river, and are capable of resisting the immense 
weight of ice thrown against them by the current of tlie river 
in winter. 

A very interesting feature of the city are the coal wharves, 



ARLINGTON HOUSE AND NATIONAL CEMETERY. 215 

where the coal is transhipped into schooners for transporta- 
tion to the ports on tlie Atlantic seaboard. Georgetown is 
one of the largest shad and herring markets in the United 
States. The mannfacturing interests of the city are small. 

At the E. end of Bridge st. is Rock-creek Bridge^ connect- 
ing the two cities. 

It consists of a 200-ft. span, with 20 ft. rise, the arch formed by two lateral 
courses of cast-iron pipe, 4 ft. internal diameter, and i^^ in in thickness. The 
arch is supported on massive abutments of sandstone. The pipes convey the water 
of the Aqueduct across the stream, and at the same time carry a street road and horse 
railway. Here the Penn.sylvania av. street cars may be taken back to Washington. 

Analostan, or Mason's Island, the large tract in the Potomac 
river, opposite Georgetown, contains 70 a., and ^^'as the res- 
idence of Gen. John Mason, commissary general of prisoners 
in the war of 1812. 

The Mansion still stands at the S. end, 50 ft. above the river. The now neg- 
lected grounds were also beautifully adorned. A causeway on the Virginia side and 
ferry-boat from Georgetown in former times afforded communication with the main 
land. James M. Mason, Confederate Commissioner to Europe, was born on the island. 

Arlington House and National Cemetery .— (Open to visit- 
ors tvery day.) Arlington House, from 1802, was the resi- 
dence of George Washington Parke Custis, the adopted son of 
Gen. Washington, and in late years of Gen. Robert E. Lee, 
till 1861. It is on the Virginia shore of the Potomac, on the 
summit of a hill, 200 ft. above the river. It is about 4 m. from 
the Capitol, and about 1 m. from Georgetown, across the 
Aqueduct bridge . The view of Wash! ngton is without a rival. 
The center building, 60 ft., and two wings, each 40 ft., gives 
a frontage of 140 ft. In front is a portico 60 ft. long and 
25 ft. deep. The pediment rests on 8 doric columns (6 in 
front) 5 ft. in diameter and 26 ft. high, built of brick, stuc- 
coed. The design was from drawings of the temple at Paes- 
tum, near ]*^aples. On the S. are the gardens and conserva- 
tory. In the rear are the kitchens, slave qu:irters, and stables. 

In the mansion, when occupied by its former possessors, were valuable pictures and 
other objects of historic interest, including two Vandykes, one by Sir Godfrey 
Kneller, painted 1707, representing Col. Parke, a fine engraving of the Death of 
Chatham, by Cop^ly, and of Napier, the inventor of the logarithms, presented by 
the Earl of IBuchan, and addressed to " Marshal" General Washington, announc- 
ing that Louis XVI had created the General a Marshal of France; that he might be 
of sufficient rank to command the veteran Count de Rochambeau ; also a death of 
Wolfe, presented to Washington by West ; the Mount Vernon plate, bearing the 
arms and crest of Washington. The bed and bedstead upon which Washington, as 
first President, slept during his whole presidency, and on which he breathed his 
last, on December 14, 1799; china having the names of the votes-of the old Confed- 
eration ; a service also bearing the representation of the Order of the Cincinnati, 
and relics from the home of Washington. These were taken away by the family. 

Of original pictures of Washington there were four at Ar- 
lington. The earliest was by Charles WiLson Peale, painted 
in 1772, represented the subject as a provincial colonel ; the 
second by Houdon, taken after the Revolution; the tliird, 
by Madame de Brienne, heads of Washington and La- 



216 FORT WIllPrLE. 

fayette, date about the same as Houclon, and the fourth, a 
profile likeness m crayon, by Sharpless, in 1796. Of otlier 
originals is the equestrian picture by Trumbull, in 1790, in 
the City Hall. IST. Y., and a crayon by Mr. Williams, from 
sittings in 1794, lost. There are three ori^'inals by Stuart, 
the head, a masterpiece, and bust, from which many copies 
liave been made, the full length for the ]Marquis of Lans- 
downe, and one for Mrs. Washington. Ceracci, the sculptor, 
about 1794, executed two busts in marble, one of Washington 
and the other of Hamilton. In 1795 both the elder and the 
5'ounger Pealc had sittings. 

Arlington House in its halcj^on days was famed for its 
hospitality. The last proj)rietor. Gen. Lee, came in posses- 
sion through his wife, wlio was the daughter of ]Mr. Custis. 
Having gone over to the rebellion against the jSTational Go vern- 
ment, and become its military chieftain, the estate, upwards 
of 1,000 a., was abandoned. In 1863 it was sold under the 
confiscation act, and in 1864 was taken possession of by the 
National Government. About 200 a. were set apart as a 
National Cemetery for the interment of deceased soldiers of 
the army. The Cemetery was formally established in 1867. 
In the rear and 1. of the mansion is an amjjJiitheati'e, capable 
of accommodating 5,000 persons, erected in 1873, and designed 
for use in the annual ceremonies observed on decoration day. 

The grounds were laid out with special reference to the 
purposes in view. The bodies of nearly 16,000 soldiers, from 
many a battle-field in Virginia and the hospitals at the capital, 
here find a fitting resting place. The W. Cemetery is devoted 
to white, and the N. to colored troops. A short distance S. 
of mansion is a granite sarcopJiagus, surmounted by cannon 
and balls, in 1866 placed over the grave of 2,111 unknown 
soldiers gathered after the war from the fields of Bull Eun 
and the route to the Eappahannock. The carriage entrance 
is on the SE., through a freestone gateway of composite 
order, erected in 1873. On the frieze are suitable inscrip- 
tions, and over the arch "Here rest 15,585 of the 315,558 
citizens who died in defence of our country from 1861 to 
1865." On the 1. of the road leading from the main gate- 
way towards the river is the once-famous Custis spring. 
In 1850 it was visited from the capital hy thousands of resi- 
dents and strangers. The forest -s^'hich sheltered its limpid 
waters was felled for the uses of the avmj during the re- 
bellion. 

Fort Whipple, reached by the road to the r. soon after 
crossing the Georgetown Aqueduct, lies a short distance NW. 
of Arlinjiton Hoiise. It is now a station for the instruction 



AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 217 



of oflacers and men in army signalling. It was built during 
the rebellion, and constituted portion of the defenses cover- 
ing the Aqueduct and Long Bridge, and the intermediate 
Heights of Arlington. Then it mounted 6 12-lb. ISTapoleon. 
guns and 4 r2-lb. howitzers. 

The Aqueduct and G-reat Palls of the Potomac. — One of 
the most interesting excursions out of Washington is the drive 
by the Aqueduct to the Great Falls of the Potomac. 

Table of distances from the 
Navy-yard to theGreat Falls : 
From the Navy-yard to the 
E. front of the Capitol, 1^ 
m ; to Rock-Creek Bridge, 4 
3-5 m ; College-Pond Bridge, 
5 3-5 m ; Foundry Branch, 6 
m ; Pipe Vault Dist. Res, 
6}4 m ; Influent Gate House, 
7 m ; Waste Weir, j]/^ m ; 
Gate House Rec. Res., 9 m ; 
Wooden Bridge Rec. Res., 9 
1-5 m ; Brooks's Road, 9^ 
m ; Cabin John Bridge, iz]^ 
m ; Mountain-Spring Bridge. 
IJ^ m; CulvertNo. 12, 14^ 
m; Road at RadclifFs, 15!^ 
m ; Junction Road, 16 3-5 
m ; Bridge No. 2, 17 I-5 m j 
Bridge No. i, 173^^ m ; Ov- 
erfall No. 1, 16 m ; Waste 
Weir No. i, iS]4, m ; Great 
Falls Gate House, 18}^ m. 

E ntering George- 

THE GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. tOWU frOm PeUUSyl- 

vania av. the Aque- 
duct may be reached by Bridge and Fayette sts., and new 
road to the Distributing Reservoir^ a distance of 2 m. 

The water surface of the reservoir is 33 a; capacity, 150,000,000 galls, at depth ol 
1 1 ft., and 300,000,000 galls, at 24 ft ; elevation, 144 ft. above mean tide at the Navy- 
yard. 

From this point the water is carried by iron mains into the city. [See Water Sup- 
ply^ p. 46.J The Aqueduct terminates here, the influent gate-house standing on 
the NW. corner. A 7-ft. Auxiliary Conduit connects the infim^nt and affluent gate- 
houses on the N. which may be used independently of the reservoir. 

The Aqueduct consists of a cylindrical conduit, of 9 ft. in- 
ternal diameter, constructed of stone and brick, laid in liy- 
draulic cement, and covered by an embankment or tunneled 
through the hills, and is carried across the streams by means 
of magnificent bridges, and has a fail of 9| in. to the m. The 
capacity of the conduit, full, is 80 000,000 galls, every 24 hrs. 
The present mains carry oft" 30,000,^^00 galls. ; the consump- 
tioii, however, is but 17,000,000. 

From the Distributing Reservoir is a beautiful drive, 2 m. 
on the embankment of the Aqueduct, to Recdving Reservoir* 




218 AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 



The scenery on all sides is romantic in the extreme. On the 1. is the Potomac 
and the Little Falls. The Receiving Reservoir^ a natural basin, formed by an em- 
bankment 65 ft. high, across Powder-Mill Creek, retains the water within the en- 
circling arms of the surrounding hills. It has a surface area of 52 a., a greatest 
depth of 5J ft., and drains 40,000 a. of the adjacent country. The Sluice Tower is 
in the S. end. A conduit extends around the S. side, connecting the Aqueduct, 
without passing through the Receiving Reservoir. The capacity Is i6j,ooo,ooo galls. 
The NW. boundary of the District crosses the Reservoir just beyond the Sluiee 
Tower. The height of water in the Reservoir is controlled by a channel cut in the 
solid rock. The Aqueduct enters through a tunnel 8oo ft. in length, and pierced 
through solid rock. 

Resuming the embankment, Cabin-John Bridge is reached, 
3 m. distant. 

This magnincent struc- 
ture springs the chasm of 
Cabin-John Creek at a 
height of loi ft. The 
bridge is erected of im- 
mense blocks of granite, 
with Seneca parapets and 
coping, and leaps the ra- 
vine in a single arch of 
220 ft. with S7}4 f^- "se 
from the springing line. 

The bridge is 20 ft. 
wide, and its extreme 
length 420 ft. It cost 
$237,000. This magnifi- 
cent work of art is un- 
equalled in the history of 
bridge building. It is the 
largest stone arch in the 
world; the second being 
that of the Grovesner 
Bridge, with a span of 200 
ft. which crosses the river 
Dee. One mile above is 
Mountain- Spring Brooi^ 
crossed by a beautiful el- 
liptical arch of masonry, 
75 ft span. The bridge 
is 200 ft. long, and cost 
$76,000. From this point 
the Aqueduct is conducted by means of 2 tunnels. 

About i\/2 •"• ^'"°'" ^^^ Great Falls a road leads around the hills. Before reaching 
the falls the scenery becomes exceedingly picturesque. The river is divided into 
two channels by Cupid's Bower and Bear Islands, the latter the upper. At the falls 
the river is again formed into two channels by Conn's and Great Falls islands, the 
former the upper, and forms the Maryland and Virginia channels. Across the former 
is a dam of solid masonry, with gate-house and gates. This dam, should there be oc- 
casion, will be extended to the Virginia side. The Government owns the water- 
right, having 5 a. of ground. The dam is faced with massive guards of stone. The 
total water supply of the river is 1,196,019,511 galls, in 24 hrs. At this point the 
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is carried over the Aqueduct. 

At the Great Falls the Potomac breaks through the mountain in a channel nar- 
rowing to 100 yds. in width, and bounded on the Virginia side by perpendicular 
rocks 70 ft. high. The water falls over a series of cascades, making a descent of 80 
ft. in 1I4 m., the greatest single pitch being 40 ft. At a distance of 4 m. it widens, 
and its agitated waters quiet into an unbroken current. About 10 m, below, at 
the Little Falls, about J m. above Georgetown, the stream makes a descent of 37 ft. 
in a series of cascades. Released from the mountains, after passing Georgelovyn, the 
river widens into the lake-like stream which we have seen in front of Washington. 




CABIN-JOHN BRIDGE. 



A 



COLUMBIAN UNIVERSITY. 219 

There is a fine view of the Falls from cither side, the ledges and rugged boulders 
appearing to advantage. Mingling with the wild aspect of nature is the eedar, oak, 
willow, birch, and jessamine. Wild cherries and strawberries in season are found in 
great abundance. The most venomous reptiles abound. The scene in winter is en- 
chanting, great masses of ice piled up on cither side, and the rocks and trees frosted 
with spray, form a charming surrounding for the boiling torrent in the channel. 

JllStO''^' — Surveys for the supply of the city with water were made by Major 
L'Enfant, unaer the direction of Washington. In 1S50 surveys were made by Col. 
Hughes from the Great Falls and Rock creek. The first ground on the Washington 
Aqueduct was broken by President Pierce on Nov. 8, 1S53, in the presence of a large 
assemblage of officials and civilians. The length of pipe line is 18 m. ; number of 
culverts, 26 m. ; tunnels, 12, the longest 1,458 ft. Total, 6,655 ^t. Bridges 6, viz, 
cut stone, 4, and iron truss, 2. In Georgetown is a high-senice reservoir 120 ft. 
in diameter. The work was commenced by Capt. M. C. Meigs, U. S. Corps of 
Engineers, and cost 3,500,000. The Aqueduct is the third in rank in the United 
States. 

Kalorama.— The residence of Joel Barlow, 180o-'ll, author, 
poet, politician, and diplomat, who died in Poland, 1812, 
stands on the brow of a beautifnl hill, NW. of Washington 
and near the Metropolitan liorse railway^ Georgetown branch, 
at the P St. bridge over Kock Creek. 

About 5 min. Wall^ from the W. end of the P sti'eet bridge, 
is a small brick vanity belonging to- the Kalonuna estate. 

In the vault are the remains of Judith Baldwin, wife of Joel Barlow, died iSiS, 
Henry Baldwin, of Pennsylvania, an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the 
United States, died 1844; Abraham Baldwin, a Senator from Georgia, died 1807; 
and George Bomford, Colonel of U. S. Ordnance Corps, died 1S48. The body of 
Commodore Decatur was also placed here. Mar. 24, iSzo, two days after his fatal 
duel In 1846 Decatur's remains were removed to St. Peter's church burial ground, 
Philadelphia 

Meridian Hill.— N. of the citj^ at the terminus of 16th st. 
W., so named as being on the meridian of the District of Co- 
lumbia, indicated by the meridian stone, established imme- 
diately W. of the National AYashington Monument. It was 
formerly tlie residence of Commodore Porter. A village is 
now growing upon its commanding site. 

Oolumbian University. — {Open to visitors.) Occupies a fine 
site N. of the city ; 5 min. walk from the N". terminus of the 
14th St. horse railway ; Mas incorporated as a college in 1821, 
began 1822, a university 1878. (For Medical and Laio De- 
partments., see page 201. 

The President and Chief Justice of the United States are honorary members of 
the Board of Trustees and Overseers. The regular course of American universities, 
classical and scientific, is taught. The average number of students, including the 
preparatory school, is joo, from all parts of the United States. The grounds com- 
prise 40 a., and, with the college edifice and other buildings, valued at $400,000. 
The main building is devoted to class-rooms, chapel, and dormitories. 

Howard University. — {Open to visitors.) Occupies a con- 
spicuous site N. of the city on the r. of the 7th st. road and 
may be reached by horse cars from the IST. terminus of 7th 
and 9th sts. horse railways. It was incoi'porated in 1867 for 
the education of j^outh, without reference to sex or color. The 
pupils, however, are almost exclusively colored. 



220 



HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 




; University Buildings of patent brick, is ? ptorjes high, covered with a man- 
nd tower, and -ontains philosophic:.!, lecture end recitution rooms; library, mu- 
and offices. On the NE. is Miner Ilall^ Ladies' dormitories and dining rooms,, 
1 after Miss Miner, a teacher of colored children in the days of slavery, in the 



The University Buildings of patent brick, is ? stories high, covered with a man- 
sard and tower, and-ontc' 
seum ar 

named ■ ^ _., „ ... _ . , 

District. This lady left $^5,000 invested in rcr-1 estate in Washington ; since sold 
for §40,000, the interest of which is at present devoted to the normal department of 
the University. To the N. of the latter is the Normal Buildings and M. of the main 
building is Clarke Ilall^ named r.ftcr D^vid Ckrhe, of Hartford, Conn., a gentleman 
of large benevolence and a liberal friend to the University, These halls accommo- 
date 500 students. There are also residences for the professors. The grounds com- 
prise 35 a. Total value of property, ^'6co,cco. A short distance S. is the Medical 
Department and Freedmen s Hospital^ rented and managed under the Interior De- 
partment. 



WAYLAND SEMINARY. 



221 




Capitol Spring.— To the KE. of the Howard University is 
Smith's Spring, the waters of which were conducted m pipes 
to the Capitol in 1830. (See Capitol Grounds.) 

Wayland Seminarv.— (Oi?e?i to visitors.) Occupies a com- 
mandino- position N.'of the city on Meridian Hill, about 10 min. 
walk N.^AV. from the N. terminus of the 14th st. horse rail- 
way. . L r u J .• e 

The Institution was founded in 1865 by the Baptist church for the education ot 
colored preachers and teachers. The building, which is of brick, three stories high, 
with basement, Mansard and lofty tower, was erected in 1S73- 4, -cost 5p35,ooOi 
paid out of voluntary contributions, and will accommodate 2CX3 students, ine 



222 



SOXDIERS' HOME. 



work was done hy colored labor. The Seminary is one of the seven schools in the 
South, established and fostered by the American Baptist Home Mission Societj. 
It is not yet in full operation in the new building. 



'^^ s 




AVAYLAXD SEMINARY. 



Soldiers' Home, {grounds open everyday^ except Sunday^) lies 
about 3 m. N. of the Capitol. It is one of the most attractive 
drives around the cit3^ It may be reached by pedestrians 
from the ''toll-gate" on the 7tli-st. road, which point is ac- 
cessible by the 7th-st. and Silver Spring horse cars; the latter 
being a continuation of the former, though a separate line. 

The original site consisted of about 200 a., since ex- 
tended to 500 a. by purchases, including Ilarewood, the seat 
of W. ^Y. Corcoran. The grounds are laid out in meadows, 
lakes, and 7 m. of beautiful drives. The main building, the 
dormitory, is of marble, jS'orman in design, and measures 
200 ft. front. In the rear is a wing of 60 ft., used for a mess 



GRAVE OF MAJOR PETER CHARLES L'ENFANT. 223 



room. On the lawn are a flag-stafr" and cannon. On the 
E. of the mahi buildhig is an additional dormitor3% tlie sta- 
bles, conservatory, and frnit garden. On the W. is the Riggs 

homestead, now the 
hospital, and near by 
the quarters of the 
governor and officers 
of the institution. S. 
of this is the sur- 
geon's residence. 
SE .of the main build- 
ing is a beautiful Sen- 
eca stone chapel, fin- 
ished in 1871, and 
gardener's lodge. In 
the distance S. is tlie 
new hospital, a com- 
modious brick struc- 
tuj-e, and the build- 
ings close by are used 
by the farmer. The 
piome was first open- 
ed in 1851, and has 
The soldiers keep the 




SOLUIERS' HOME, MAIN BUILDING. 



accommodations for 400 inmates. 

roads in order and perform police duty. The Home was the 
favorite summer residence of Presidents Pierce, Buchanan, 
and Lincoln. 

On the brow of the hill, ^ m.W. of S. of the main building, 
raised on a granite pedestal, and facing the Capital, stands 
a statue of General Winjield Scott, at the time of his conquest 
of Mexico, by Launt Thompson, 1873, bronze, 10 ft. high, 
cast by R. Woods & Co., Philadelphia, Penna. Cost $18,000. 
Erected in 1874 by the Home. Through Genenil Scott the 
Home was founded. From the site may be had an excellent 
view. 

In 1851 Congress appropriated out of the Treasury $118,791, the balance of S>Joo,- 
000 pillage money levied on the city of Mexico by General VVinfield Scott, to go to 
the founding of a Military Asylum or Soldiers' Home. This fund was increased by 
forfeitures, stoppages, and fines against soldiers, and a tax of 25 now 12 cts. a month 
on each private soldier of the regular army. The Home was for the benefit of the 
regulars and volunteers who served in Mexico, and now is for the privates of the 
regular army, they alone contributing for its support. Pensioners surrender their 
pensions while at the Home. 

Grave of Major Peter Charles L'Enfant, the designer of the 
plan of Washington, at Green Hill, the country seat of 
George W. Bigg's, on the early manor of Chillam Castle, 
now Prince George's county, Maryland, is about 7 ni. NE. 
of Washington. The grave is in the garden, the burial ground 
of the Digges family, tlie previous proprietoi'S. The latter 
have been removed. The srrave is without a marked stone. 



224 ROCK-CREEK CHURCH. 

Major L'Eiifant was born in France about 1755. He was a 
subordinate officer in the French service. In 1778 he was 
made a captain of eno-ineers in the Continental army. His 
gallantry and ability, displayed especially at Savannali, at- 
tracted tlie attention of Washington. In 1783 he was pro- 
moted to major. In March, 1791, he was ordered to George- 
town to join Mr. Ellicott, the chief surveyor, witli instructions 
''to draw tlie site of the federal town and buildings." Xot 
sliaring in tlie practical views of tlie commissioners, who 
desired copies of his plan for circulation, as an inducement 
to pnrcliasers of lots, a controversy sprung up. which was 
aggravated by some high-handed measures, chiefly an attempt 
to demolisli tlie residence of Mr. Carroll, one of the commis- 
sioners, whicli interfered with the execution of liis plan on 
the ground. Tliese resulted in his dismissal, after a brief 
service of one year. In 17*J4 he was employed on Fort Mif- 
tlin, below Philadelphia. It is said he was offei-ed, in 1812, 
a professorship of engineers at West Point. The last days 
of his life were spent around Washington. He found a home 
on the farm of Mr. Digges, and died in the summer of 1825, 
at the advanced age of 70 years. His remains still moulder 
beneatli tlie sod where the kind hand of charity laid tliem. 

Rock-Oreek Ohurcliaiid Oemetery. — {Church services, epis- 
copal^ every Sabbath at 11 a. w., and Cemetery open every day, 
except Sunday.) — The cemetery lies contiguous to the Sol- 
diers' Home on the X., and is easy of access from the horse 
cars on the 7th-st. road. It comprises about one-half of the 
glebe, 100 a., tlie gift of John Bradford, about 1719. The 
church, whicli lies on the W., properlj^ St. P.iul's Ei)iscopal 
Church, Eock-creek Parish, was erected in 1719, rebuilt in 
1775, and remodeled in 18G8. The bricks were imported from 
England. The main walls are the same as erected in 1719. 
The bible used is an Oxford edition of 1727. Immediately 
around the church are a number of old graves, marked by 
rude stones, and over them stands a venerable oak, the out- 
spreading branches of which cover an area of 126 fL in diam- 
eter. The oldest monuments are E. of the church, of the 
Grampliin family, 1775. In this cemetery is the grave of Pe- 
ter Force, with a fine monument. 

National Military Oemetery, {open from sunrise to sujiset,) 
lies N. of and adjoins the Soldiers' Home, and E. of Eock- 
Creek Cemetery. It was established in 1861, and contains 
5,424 interments : known 5145, unknown 279, and Confeder- 
ates 271. There are a fine keeper's lodge and conservatory. 
Adjoining, on the 'N., is the Cemetery of the Soldiers' Home. 



BLADENSBURG. 225 

Glenwood Cemetery, {open everyday except Sunday,) 1\ 
m. N. of the Capitol, is situated at the head of Lincoln av., 
reached from the Columbia st.-railway at N. Capitol St., dis- 
tance 1 m. It was incorporated in 1854, and contains 90 a. 
The grounds are beautifully laid out in drives and walks. 
The public vault is a fine structure. Amos Kendall, 
Postmaster General 1835-'40 is buried here. Outside the 
gateway are Prospect Hill Cemetery, 17 a., incorporated in 
1860, St. Mary^s (Roman Catholic) Burying Ground, 3 a. 

Bladensburg, a post-village of Prince George's co., Md., 
lies 6 m. N. E. of Washington, on the Baltimore railroad 
and turnpike. It was founded about 1750, and named 
after Martin Blanden,one of the Lords' Commissioners of 
Trade and Plantations. Before the Revolution it was a 
place of some commercial and agricultural importance. 
In those days the Anacostia, upon which it stands, ad- 
mitted of navigation to the town. Over the stream was 
the bridge, and W. the field of the disastrous battle of Au- 
gust 24, 1814, which opened Washington to the enemy, 
and gave the name of Bladensburg a place in history. On 
the open ground was the position bravely defended by 
Commodore Barney and his gallant soldiers and marines. 

About I m. S. E. of the village, on the turnpike, was the notorious " duelling 
gronnd." The District line runs through the valley, thus enabling parties 
from the District and Virginia to pass into Maryland. The most painful of 
all duels fought here was that between Commodores Decatur, the hero of the 
Algerine war, and Barron, in 1820, in which the former was mortally wounded. 
The spot was the scene of many other duels, but not of late years. The duel 
between Henry Clay and John E^andolph of Roanoke, in 1826, took place on 
the Virginia shore of the Potomac river, near Washington. 

Near Bladensburg, a short distance from the turnpike, stood the family man- 
sion of George Calvert, the lineal descendant of the Baron of Baltimore. 

Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and 
National Deaf- Mute College, {open every day except Sun- 
day,) entrance at N. end of 7th st. E., also W. end M st. 
N. ; 10 minutes from Columbia horse R.R. The grounds, 
known as " Kendall Green," were previously the home 
of Amos Kendall, Postmaster General of the United States 
1835-'40. The first portion occupied was but a few acres 
and a small building, presented by Mr. Kendall. Sub- 
sequently, 25 acres were purchased, and in 1872 the entire 
estate of 100 acres. The grounds and buildings were 
vested in the United States as trustee. 

The institution, incorporated in 1857, has since been sustained by Congress 
as the institution where Government beneficiaries, viz., deaf-mute children of 
the District of Columbia, and of the army and navy, should receive free edu- 
cation. A collegiate department was organized in 1864 by Congress, and is 
named the National Deaf-Mute College. Both are open to both sexes. 



226 



DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM. 




THE COLUMBIA INSTITUTION FOK THE DEAF AND DUMB. 



The main central buildiiii^, dedicated in 1871, was the gift 
of the Government. It is a fine specimen of the pointed 
Gothic architecture of the 14th century. It is 216 by 76 ft., 
and is faced on all sides with Connecticut brown-stone, in- 
terspersed with courses of white Ohio sandstone, and cov- 
ered with roofs of red and blue slate, laid in patterns and 
courses. 

The main entrance is under a recessed porch, formed by 
three pointed arches of alternate brown and white sandstone 
blocks, supported b}^ double sets of dwarf columns of highly 
polished Scotch granite, with brown-stone bases and carved 
white sandstone capitals. This porch is paved with white 
and black marble tiles, and surmounted by an angular pedi- 
ment containing a carved half-relief figure of the Ameri- 
can eagle, with the stars and stripes on the shield over its 
breast. 

From this porch leads a small vestibule at either end into 
the main hall, or chapel, a room 56 ft. square and 38 ft. high, 
with a paneled ceiling of light and dark colored wood, with 
massive brackets, cornice, and panel mouldings, the walls be- 
ing frescoed in delicate tints in plain panels. The walls, to 
about 8 ft. from the floor, are protected by a paneled wain- 
scot, painted in strong party colors, with the pulpit, platform, 
and front, and fokling-dobrs to match. The room is lighted 
by ten large stained-glass windows. 

Adjoininrg on the E., and separated from the chapel by 
eight sliding doors 15 ft. high and 27 ft. wide, is the lecture 
room. Over the sliduig doors is a solid white sandstone arch 



MOUNT OLIVET CEMETERY. ^27 

of 27 ft. span, sprino:ing from light stone columns with carved 
capitals. The lectm-e room is about 30 by 40 ft. in size, with 
a raised floor. 

The remainder of the E. wing on tliis floor is occupied by 
a large dining-hall, or refectory, for the pupils of the primary 
department, with its corridors and stairs ; and with kitchens, 
bakery, and store-rooms in the basement below, and large 
dormitories in the attic above. 

The W. wing contains a large dining-hall for the students 
of the college, with its pantries and store-rooms. In the hall 
of this wing a stairway affords access to the tower. In the 
basement under this wing is an extensive lanndry, steam- 
drying rooms, and store-rooms, while the basement under 
the chapel contains the fuel and boiler rooms. 

In the chapel is a fine plaster cast of Abb^ de I'Epee, taken 
from his tomb in the old church of Saint Roch, Paris ; also 
one of Abbe Sicard. The former, about the year 1760, de- 
veloped and applied the system of communication for deaf 
mutes hy means of natural signs. Abbe Sicard subsequently 
perfected the system. There is also a portrait of the Rev. 
Thomas H. Gallaudet, formerly principal of the American 
Asylum at Hartford, Connecticut. That gentleman was sent 
abroad to acquire the sj^stem of instruction by natural signs. 
He chose the French system, now in use by the Institution 
and College, and also generally throughout the United States. 
The E. building is occupied by the primary department, 
and contains several school rooms, chapel, library, reception 
parlor, private rooms of instructors, and dormitory for boys, 
and another in a remote part of the building for girls. The 
W. building is used by the College. In the rear and W. of 
the main central building is the finished wing of a dormitory 
for College students. The value of the property is $350,000. 

Mount Olivet Cemetery {open every day) lies on the 1. of 
the Columbia turnpike, J m. jST. of the E. terminus of the 
Columbia horse raihvay. It comprises 70 a. It was incor- 
porated in 1862, in the names of the parish priests of the 
four Roman Catholic churches of Washington. The grounds 
are well laid out, and shaded with oak and evergreens. 
Father Matthews, one of the earliest priests who arrived in 
the city after its occupation by the Government, is buried 
here, also Lieut. Col. Garesche, A. A. G. to General Rose- 
cranz, killed at Murfreesboro, 1862; Mrs. Surratt, executed 
for complicity in the assassination of President Lincoln ; and 
Wirz, the keeper of the Andersonville prison pen for na- 
tional soldiers during the rebellion, 1861-'65, and executed 
in Washington at its close. The entrance to the cemetery 



228 GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. 

is at the SE. corner on the Columbia turnpike, where there 
is a neat superintendent's residence. 

G-raceland Cemetery (pj^en from sunrise to sunset) is situated 
immediately outside the E. limits of the city, at the terminus 
of tlie Columbia horse railway. The cemeterj' was opened 
in 1872, and comprises about 40 a. 

Eeform School of the District of Columbia occupies a com- 
manding site on the S. side of the Washington and Baltimore 
turnpike, 2 m. fi'om the E. terminus of the Columbia horse 
railway. The scliool, wliicli is for boys only, was established 
hj Congress in 186G, and is under the supervision of the 
Department of Justice. It was first located on the Govern- 
ment farm, on the Aqueduct road, 4 m. above Georgetown, 
but owing to the unhealthiness of tliat section was, in 1871, 
removed to its present situation. The farm comprises 150 a. 
The buildings stand on Lincoln's Hill, so-called from the 
fort of that name in the defenses of Washington during the 
rebellion, and which crowned the hill. They are 230 ft. 
above the Anacostia, which runs in the rear, and command 
a view of four railroads, portions of Washington, the National 
Insane Asylum, the Soldiers' Home, Bladensburg, the Mary- 
land State Agricultural School, and a vast sweep of country 
into Maryland and Virginia. 

The main building is occupied by the superintendent, 
boys' dining room, chapel, library, and reflecting room. The 
reception room for strangers is on tlie 1. of the main entrance. 
On either side of the main building are two detached wings, 
occupied by the assistants, and as school and dormitories. 
The boys divide their time in the school and shops. The 
boys are kept till reformed or their majority. The buildings 
and grounds will be greatly improved. 

Zoological Society was incorporated in 1870, with authority 
to import animals free of duty, and granting the free use of 
water from the Aqueduct. The site securcdfor the purpose 
comprises 20 a., lies about \ m. SE. of the E. terminus of 
the Columbia horse railway., and extends to the Anacostia. 
On the ground is Gibson's spring, which will be converted 
into fish ponds. During the rebellion, 1861-'65, a pipe from 
this spi-ing supplied the cavalry and infantry camps estab- 
lished in the adjacent valley and on the neighboring hills. 

Government Hospital for the Insane, {visiting days^ Wednes- 
days^ from 2 to 6 p. m.) This institution, on the S. bank of 



ALEXANDRIA. 229 

the Anacostia, is accessible from the Navy-yard terminus of 
the Pennsylvania av. street car,^^ aci'oss the bridge at the fuot 
of 11th St. E., and by the high road ascending the hill towards 
the r., which passes the gate. The village at the S. end of 
the bridge is known as Uniontown. The distance from the 
horse cars to the Asylum is about 2 m. The institution is 
for the use of the army and navy and District of Columbiii, 
and embraces indigent and independent patients. Tlie gen- 
eral supervision is under the Secretarj^ of the Interior, and 
it is supported by the National Government. The home 
tract, 185 a., is inclosed by a wall 9 ft. high. Subsequent 
additions, however, have increased the estate to 419 a., which 
is cultivated for the benefit of the institution, and which fur- 
nishes occupation for many of tlie patients. The commodious 
structure is of briclc, occupies the crest of the range of hills 
overlooking the mouth of the Anacostia, and consists of a 
centre, with connecting ranges and receding wings, with 
buttresses, iron window hoods, and an embattled parapet. 
The centre is four stories, and the wings three and four 
stories. The building is 750 ft. long. There are accommo- 
dations for 550 patients, though the number generally ex- 
ceeds 600. The W. wing is devoted to males and the E. to 
females. The centre contains the residence of the superin- 
tendent and staff officers, dispensary, and chapel. There 
are six billiard tables for patients. In the basement are the 
kitchen, store-rooms, &c. There are two buildings in the 
rear for colored patients; also gas works, machine shops, 
barn, and stables. Tlie institution was opened in 1855. 
Prior to tliat time the insane under the care of the Govern- 
ment were sent to Baltim6re. 

Alexandria. — This city, originally called Bellhaven, stands 
in Virginia, on the r. bank of the Potomac river, at the con- 
fluence of that stream and Hunting Creek, 7 m. S. of Wash- 
ington. The boats of the VVasliington and Alexandria ferry, 
from the foot of 7th street W., reached by liorse cars^ run 
every hour from 6 a. m. to 7 p. m., on Sunday from 9 a. m. 
Single fare 15 cts., round trip 25 cts. The steam cars leave 
at the same intervals from 6 a. m. to 8 p. m. from the depot 
on 6th St., S. of Pennsylvania av. The city is picturesquely 
situated on the side of a range of low hills, and is surrounded 
by a fertile and well-cultivated countr3\ The town was 
founded in 1748. In 1755 five colonial governors met here in 
connection with Braddock's expedition, which started here. 
In the earlj'^ colonial days it was the rival of Baltimore in 
commerce, but superior advantages and other facilities at- 
tractive of trade soon advanced the metropolis of Maryland 



230 ALEXANDRIA. 

beyond the successful rivalry of the quaint Virginia town on 
the Potomac. 

During the Revolution it was a point of great strategic im- 
portance. The British General Gage, in 1776, from Pitts- 
burg, in co-operation with Earl Dunmore's fleet from the 
sea, planned an attack on the town, designing, by holding 
this position, to cut oft* communication between the N. and 
S. armies. The expedition, however, was not carried out. 
Washington always took a great interest in the welfare of 
the place. Among other evidences of this aftection he be- 
queathed £1,000 for the benefit of a free school here. 

During the invasion of the British, on Aug. 28, 1814, after 
Fort Warburton, (Washington,) below, had been blown up 
and abandoned without firing a gun, the town surrendered to 
the British squadron. Five days after the enemy's vessels 
left with 16,000 bbls. of flour, 1,000 hiids. of tobacco, and 
other property, including 3 shij^s and some river craft. 

The city and county were included in the original survey 
of tlie District of Columbia, but in 1846, with all that part 
on the W. side of the Potomac, was retroceded to Virginia. 

About 1 m. SE. of the city, on the point of a small pen- 
insula formed by the junction of Hunting creek and the 
Potomac, is the initial point of the original boundaries of the 
District of Columbia. 

In the court of the Mansion House, on Fairfax St., is an old 
structure known as Washington'^ s Headquarters^ having been 
occupied, it is said, by the General when in Alexandria. At 
the intersection of AVashington and Cameron sts. is Christ 
Episcopal Churchy commenced in 1765 and finished in 1773, 
built of bricks imported from England. The interior has 
been renovated of late years ; though some of the wood-work 
about the chancel is old. The principal interest is associated 
with the fact that Washington was a member of the vestry of 
this church. His pew was Ko. 59, on the 1. of the 1. aisle. A 
little back is pew Xo. 46, used by Robert E. Lee, General of 
the Confederate forces, who came here from Arlington to 
worship- Marble tablets on the 1. and r. of the chancel have 
been placed in the walls to their memory. In the church- 
yard the oldest tombstone is 1771. The city hall, market- 
liouse, and masonic hall occupy a fine building. Near the 
city is a National Cemetery^ which contains the remains of 
3,635 soldiers of the rebellion. 

A branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal connects the 
city with Georgetown. The river in front is 1 m. wide. The 
shipping of the place amounts to about 182 vessels; sail, 
steam, and unrigged, 8,210 tons. The principal exports are 
tobacco, corn, and coal. It also has railroad communication 



MOUNT VERNON. 



231 



with the N. and S. A new Ihie, to connect with the Balti- 
more and Ohio Railroad at Bladensburo-, is now being built, 
and will cross the Potomac at this point. The population is 
13,570. 

Mount Vernon, steamer daily, except Sunday, at 10 a. m., 
from the foot of 7th st. W., readied 
hyliorse-cars, fare $1.50 round trip, 
to include admission to the grounds. 
Distance, 15 m. Return 4 p. m. 

Leaving the wharf, the boat runs 
close to the shore, and along the 
Ai-senal grounds, at the foot of 
which the Anacostia enters the Po- 
tomac. The village on the r. is 
Uniontown, and on the hill is the 
National Insane Asylum. On the 
1. is the Navy Yard. On the S. 
point of the river is Giesboro' . Dur- 
ing the rebellion a large number of 
cavalry horses were kept here for 
the supply of the army. During a 
stampede on one occasion over 1000 
were drowned in the river. The 
steamer now directs her course to- 
wards Alexandria, 6 m. below. Af- 
ter leaving Alexandria, the steamer 
passes Jones's point on the r. A 
lighthouse stands on the point at 
the location of the initial stone of the 
THE MANSION. bounclaiies of the District, planted 

m 1791. The lines extend NE. and NW. Hunting creek 
here enters the Potomac. The steamer next touches at 
Fort Foote, an earthwork on the ]Maryland shore. Broad 
creek enters below. The next landing is at Fort Washington, 
on the same side. This is an old work, mounting guns in 
casemate and barbette. On the high ground opposite the 
fii-st view of the home of Washington may be. had. The 
road from the wharf leads to the vault within which is the 
marble sarcophagus containing the remains of General George 
Washington. By the side is another with the simple inscrip- 
tion, Martha, the consort of Washington, who died May 21, 
1801, aged 71 years. The obelisk on the r. approaching is to 
Bushrod Washington, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court 
of the United States, a nephew of General Washington, and 
to whom Mount Vernon was bequeathed, died 1829. That 
on the 1. is to John Augustine Washington, to whom Mount 




232 



MOUNT VERNON. 



Vernon was bequeathed by Judge Bushrod Washington, died 
1832. The path to the r. leads towards the mansion. On 
the 1. is the vault in which the remains of Washington were 
first placed. 

The Mansion ivonts, ISTW., the reai looking toward the river. 
It is of wood, cut in imitation of stone, and 96 ft. in length, 
surmounted by a cupola. The centre was built by Lawrence 
Washington, brother to the General ; the wings were added 
by tlie General. It is named after Admiral Vernon, in whose 
expedition Lawrence Washington served. The house and 
grounds, 6 a., as far as practicable, are as left by Washing- 
ton. 

The Mount Vernon Ladies'' Association of the Union, incor- 
porated in 1856, pm'chased the mansion and contiguous 

grounds. In the liall is the key to 
the Bastile, presented to Washing- 
ton by Lafayette after the destruc- 
tion of that French prison, 1789. 
In the E. parlor are intei*esting 
relics of Washington — a dress, 
sword, spy-glass, water buckets, 
tripod. In the dining hall are 
portraits of AVashington in 1786, a 
copy from Trumbull, and a copy 
from Stuart, 1795. The mantel 
was carved in Italy and presented. 
In this room is the great painting 
of Washington before Yorktoion^ by 
Rembrandt Peale. He is repre- 
sented as accompanied by Generals 
Lafayette, Hamilton, Knox, Lin- 
coln, and Rochambeau, and giving 
orders to commence the entrencli- 
ments before Yorktown . In the 
W. parlor is an old painting repre- 
senting the attack on Cartliagena, 
Admiral Vernon commanding, 
1741, and Washington's holsters 
and camp equipage, also a globe. 
In the second story^ at the liead of 
the stairs, is Lafaijette'^s room. The room in wliich Wash- 
ington died, December 14, 1799, is at the S. end of the build- 
ing on this floor. It is a small apartment. The bed is that 
on which he rested. There is a fine view of the surround- 
ing country from the cupola. On the r. of the mansion 
Cacing tlie lawn are the servants' hall, gardener's lodge, a 
modern building, and the spinning and weaving house. On 




GRAVE OF WASHINGTON, 



DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON. 233 

the same side is the garden laid out by Washhigton. On the 
X. side av^ conservatories which replaced the old ones con- 
sumed by fire. The ruins of the old servants' quarters are 
near by. On the opposite side of the lawn are the family 
kitchen, butler's house, smoke house, and laundrj^ and in 
the rear of all tlie stables. On the lawn are several ash and 
and a magnolia tree planted bj'" Washington. 

Defenses of Washington. — The inauguration of actual hos- 
tilities by the bombardment of Fort Sumter, April 12, 13, 
18G1, warned the National Government of the necessit)^ of 
measures of protection. One of the first thouglits was the 
security of the Nation's Capital. The hastil3Mmprovised first 
defensive preparations, after some squeamish hesitation about 
invading a State, were seconded by occupj'ing the S. sliore of 
the Potomac, and holding the debouches into Virginia. This 
was necessitated by the proximity of Arlington Heiglits, from 
whicli the enemy's artillerj'^ could shell the city. On the night 
of May 23, 1861, the armj^ in three columns, crossed the 
Potomac, one, under Major Wood, by the Georgetown Aque- 
duct; another, under Major (General) tteintzelman, by tlie 
Long Bridge; and tlie third, under Colonel Ellsworth, by 
water to Alexandria. Fort Corcoran, a tete-de-pont., was 
commenced before daylight, and, with its auxiliary works,. 
Forts Bennett and Haggerty and rifle trenches, around th^ 
liead of the Aqueduct, Forts Runyon, on the lowland — a tete- 
de-jyont — and Alban}^ on Arlington Heights, covering our 
debouches from the Long Bridge, and Fort Ellsworth, on 
Shnter's Hill, back of Alexandria, formed the basis of the 
line S. of the Potomac. By the time of the advance of 
McDowell's armj^, seven weeks, these works were nearly 
completed. 

The Bull Run disaster made it apparent that a protracted 
war was inevitable. The Heights of Arlington were effect- 
ively fortified by intermediate works, and, \\\W\ Fort Run- 
yon, formed a " couronne^^'' covering the bridge and heights. 
These works were preliminary and auxiliary to that line of 
impregnable fortifications which later encircled the Capital. 
The system of A^•orks, constituting and appropriately desig- 
nated the Defenses of Washington^ were divided into four 
groups. 1. Those S. of the Potomac^ commencing with Fort 
Lyon, below Alexandria, and terminating with Fort De- 
Kalb, (Strong,) opposite Georgetown. 2. Those of the Chain 
Bridge. 3. Those K. of the Potomac^ between that rivei 
and the Anacostia, commencing with Fort Sumner and ter- 
minating with Fort Lincoln. 4. Those S. of the Anacostia^ 
commencing with Fort Mahan and terminating with Fort 



234 DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON. 

Orebie, nearly opposite Alexandria. The perimeter, from 
Fort Lyon to Fort Greble, was 33 m., and, including the in- 
terval across the Potomac, between Greble and Lyon, a total 
of 37 m. At the close of hostilities, in April, 1865, the De- 
fenses consisted of 68 inclosed forts and batteries and em- 
placements, for 1,120 gnns, 807 of which, and 98 mortars, 
were actually mounted : 93 unarmed batteries for field guns, 
having 401 emplacements, and 20 m. of rifle-trenches, and 3 
block houses. There were also 32 m. of specially-constructed 
military roads. 

In 1864 the garrisons S. of the Potomac consisted of one 
division, under General DeKussy, four brigades, under 
Colonels Tidball, Tannatt, Abbott, and Schh-mer — 11,011 
men ; K. of the Potomac, one division, under Lieutenant 
Colonel Haskin, aid-de-camp, with three brigades, under 
Colonels Morris, Gibson, and Piper — 18,863 men. To pre- 
vent a sudden dash, the minor roads were obstructed by 
abattis and stockades. The fords of the Potomac above and 
the S. front were picketed with cavalry. An infantry divis- 
ion lay towards Bull Run, and infantry pickets were stationed 
on the jST. front. A provost guard of 1,776 men, under General 
Martindale, were on duty in Washington, and 1,090 men, 
under General Slough, in Alexandria. At the artillery depot 
at Camp Barry were 2,000 men and 17 batteries. 

The garrisons varied in numbers, yet the over-sensitiveness 
of the Government, respecting the safety of the Capital, con- 
stantly required the presence of a large force. The exigen- 
cies of the service in the field, however, on several occasions 
necessitated a reduction. 

The efforts of Gen. Grant, in 1864, to overwhelm Lee had 
caused the ^^dthdrawal of the Avell-trained artillerists, and 
their places were filled by new levies. As an ofl'set to the 
vigorous movements of the Army of the Potomac, Early 
made his demonstration upon Washington. A brisk engage- 
ment took place at Rockville, 16 m. from Washington. On 
July 11, with 20,000 men, he appeared before Fort Stevens, 
on the 7th-st. road. The pickets retired, and the guns of 
Fort Stevens, Slocum, and DeRussy opened and checked the 
enemy, who retired the following night. 

The ruins of the now dismantled and deserted Defenses of 
Washington may yet be seen on almost every eminence in 
the vicinity of the city. During their use they accomplished 
an important work. They saved the nation from further ca- 
lamities after Bull Run, when the enemy was in sight on 
Munson Hill, and from attack after the failures of McClel- 
lan's campaign against Richmond, and the retreat of Pope, 
in 1862. It is to be hoped the hand of fratricidal strife may 
never asrain revive the sad work. 



SECTION YI. 

HISTORi^ OF WASHINGTON 




A^^^HE first attempt to explore the Chesapeake and 

^•^^^^^ its tributaries was made in 1608, by Captain John 
Smith, from the Jamestown settlement. He left an 
interesting narrative of his discoveries. He speaks 
of the "Patawomeke " as 6 or 7 m. in breadth, and 
navigable 140 m. The Indian name was Cohongu- 
roton, or river of swans. The shores of the great bay and 
river Iiad a large aboriginal population, not less than forty 
tribes, members of the numerous and warlike Algonquin 
family, who lived by fishing, the cultivation of maize, and 
warring upon their neighbors. The point of the tongue of 
land now occupied by the Arsenal was the seat of the council 
fire. The Manahoacks occupied the lands between the rivers, 
but about 1669, after a severe war with tlie Powhatans, were 
overcome, and fled to the West, where they joined the Tus- 
caroras. 

In 1634. Henry Fleet, with a party of Calvert's settlers, vis- 
ited the falls of the Potomac. In 1663, a tract of land 400 a., 
called Room, (Rome,) was laid out for Francis Pope, gentle- 
man, on the east side of the Anacostian river, and to the 
mouth of the Tiber. Another tract, of 500 a., for Captain 
Robert Troop, called Scotland Yard, was laid out adjoining 
on the same date. The lands of the western portion of the 
city, called "The Widow's Mite," 600 a., were laid out in 
1681 for William Langworth. All were in Charles county, 
province of Maryland. 

In 1790-'91, Daniel Carroll owned the lands on the Ana- 
costia, Notley Young, in the forks of the river and to the 
northward, and David Burns on the west, towards George- 
town. On the bank of the river, east of the Observatory, 
was a settlement called Hamburg, previouslj^ Fiinkstown. 
On the Anacostia, a short distanco above the Arsenal, was 
Carrollsburg. The arable lands were tilled, and produced 
wheat, tobacco, and maize. 

On April 30, 1783, nineteen days after the proclamation of 

(235) 



236 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

a cessation of hostilities between the late British Colonies in 
North America and the mother country, the subject of a per- 
manent capital for the general government of the United 
States of America "\A'as incidentally alluded to in Congress. 
In March, 1783, the legislature of N'ew York offered to cede 
the town of Kingston as a place of permanent meeting. 
Shortly after, Maryland tendered Annapolis for the same 
purpose ; also 8180,000 if selected. 

A proposition by a prominent gentleman was the location 
of the capital, for a term of thirteen years, at some cf the 
growing western settlements, such as Detroit, Louisville, 
Kaskaskia, St. Vincent's, and Sandusky; stating that "an 
amazing value would be added to that important territory ; " 
that it would "accelerate the rapidity of its settlement and 
population," and at about twelve cents an acre would extin- 
guish the national debt; that Congress should assume plen- 
ar,y jurisdiction over a compass of twenty miles square ; should 
form a government "on the most perfect plan of modern re- 
finement ; " in place of certificates, sliould award the lands in 
the vicinity "to tliose brave officers and men wlio served in 
the late glorious war." These, Spartan-like, it was expected, 
would form "an impregnable bulwark against the natives," 
or any other dangers. Williamsburg, the old capital of Vir- 
ginia, was oflered at the same time. 

On October 6, 1783, Congress voted upon the selection of 
a State, as they existed at that time, beginning with New 
Hampshire, and proceeding in order southward. New Jersey 
and Maryland received the" highest number of "S'otes, but no 
choice was made. The next day, on a resolution b}'' Eldridge 
Gerry, the location of the "Federal City " was voted on or 
near the falls of the Delaware, near Trenton, and a commit- 
tee of five was appointed to examuie the locality and report. 
On October 21 following, the erection of buildings was author- 
ized at or near the lower falls of the Potomac or Georgetown, 
and a committee was appointed to examine and report on that 
site. Two localities were now provided for, and meanwhile 
Congress was to meet alternatelj^ at Trenton and Annapolis. 

The inconvenience of two capitals was soon demonstrated. 
The Delaware committee reported favorably, and that for the 
Potomac unfavorably on that location, tliough they thought 
better of a site above Georgetown, or 1} m. below, at Funks- 
town. On December 20, 1784, it was decided inexpedient to 
erect buildings at more than one place. On December 23 
three commissioners were appointed to lay out a district of 
not less than two nor more than 3 m. square, on either side 
of the Delaware, within 8 m. above or below the falls. 

Commissioners. — 1791-'94, Thomas Johnson, Md.; 1791-'95, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 237 

Daniel Carroll, Md. ; 1791-94, David Stuart, Ya. ; 1794-1800, 
Gustaviis Scott, Md. ; 1794-1802, William Thornton, Penn. ; 
1795-1802, Alexander White, Md. ; 1800, William Cranch, 
Md. ; 1800-1802, Tristram Dalton, Md. 

The Constitution of the United States, 1787, g-ave Concrress 
the power "to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases what- 
soever over such district, not exceeding 10 m. square, as may, 
by cession of particular States and the acceptance of Con- 
ofress, become the seat of the Government of the United 
States." * * * (Art. I, Sec. 8.) 

The first session of Congress of the United States of Amer- 
ica, assembled under the Constitution, was called upon to 
enter into this question, confronted by a strongei- evidence of 
sectional spirit than had hitherto been exhibited. Resolutions 
from the legislatures of States, besides numerous petitions 
and memorials, were presented, urging certain localities, and 
frequently offering great inducements. Districts of 10 m. 
square, with the right to exercise exclusive jurisdiction, were 
offered to Congress for the seat of Government by acts of the 
General Assemblies of Maryland in December, 1788, Penn- 
sylvania in September, 1789, and Virginia in December, 1789. 
As an additional inducement, Virginia offered $120,000, and 
Maryland $72,000. Pennsylvania, in her grant, excepted 
Philadelphia, the district of Southwark, and part of the 
Northern Liberties. Petitions were also received from the 
inhabitants of Trenton, in ISTew Jersey; Lancaster, Wright's 
Ferry, York, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Reading, and German- 
town, in Pennsylvania, and Baltimore and Georgetown, in 
Maryland. All expressed their willingness to come under the 
aegis of Congress and the Constitution\ and pictured in glow- 
ing colors the advantages of climate and scenery, and conve- 
niences of access which their respective localities possessed. 
The newspapers o* the day frequentlj^ took a humorous view 
of this patriotic competition, and in prose and verse gave vent 
to considerable good-natured sentiment. 

In the second session the Capital question was again agi- 
tated, and Baltimore, Wilmington, the Delaware, German- 
town, between the Potomac and the Susquehanna, were all 
urged ; but the act establishing the temporary Seat of Govern- 
ment at Philadelphia, from the first Monday in December, 
1790, and the permanent on the river Potomac, between the 
mouths of the Eastern Branch (Anacostia) and Conogo- 
cheague, a tributary of the upper Potomac, to be readj^ for 
the sessions of Congress by the first Monday in December, 
1800, was finally passed, and approved b}^ Waslungton July 
16, 1790. In the Senate it received 14 j-eas and 12 nays, and 
in the House 32 yeas and 29 nays. The immediate settle- 



238 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

ment was effected as a compromise with tlie advocates of a 
fiscal measm-e known as the assumption of the State debts. 
The majoritj^ of tlie votes of the Middle States going- with 
the South, gave tlie majoritj^ for the Potomac. 

The Legislature of Virginia, in December, 1790, appropri- 
ated the $120,000 previousl}' offered, payable in three annual 
installments. In December, 1791, the Legislature of Mary- 
land gave an order for tlie payment of tlie $72,000 donated 
by that State. The December before, the same Legislature 
passed an act for providing for the condemnation of land, if 
necessary, for the public buildings. On Januaiy 22, 1791, 
the first commissioners, three in number, were appointed to 
superintend the affairs of the city. On January 24 the Presi- 
dent issued a proclamation directing the commissioners to lay 
down the four experimental lines of boundary, as follows : 

First, by running a line from the court-house of Alexan- 
dria, in Virginia, due SW. ^ m., and thence a due SE. coarse 
till it struck Hunting Creek. This was to be the initial 
point, from which the first line was to run due NW. 10 m. ; 
the second into Maryland due NE. 10 m. ; the third due SE. 
10 m. ; and the fourth due SVV. 10 m. to the beginning, on 
Hunting Creek. These were approved by Congress. The 
original act required the location of the District above the 
mouth of the Eastern Branch or Anacostia river. To con- 
form the law to the experimental lines, an amendatory act, 
approv^ed March 3, 1791, repealed the conflicting portion of 
the act of July 16, 1790, but required the public buildings to 
be erected on the Maryland side of the Potomac. After the 
completion- of the necessary legislation on the subject. Presi- 
dent Washington set out on a visit to the Potomac. He 
arrived March 28, 1791, and put up at Suter's tavern, a one- 
story frame structure, the favorite resort of travelers arriving 
at Georgetown. On March 29, in company with the three 
commissioners and the surveyors, Andrew EUicott and Major 
Peter Charles L'Enfant, he rode over the ground. The same 
night a meeting was held for the purpose of effecting a re- 
conciliation with the property owners. There were some 
who desired to derive all the advantages offered by the pro- 
posed city without making a reasonable concession to its 
success. The counsel of Washington had its effect. The 
general terms agreed upon were signed by nineteen of the 
original proprietors. The President issued a proclamation, 
dated March 30, 1791, at Georgetown, which defined the lines 
of the Federal territory accepted by Congress, and ordered 
the commissioners to proceed forthwith to have the lines 
permanentlj^ marked. 

The President now left for a brief visit to his home at 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 



239 



Mount Vernon; thence he proceeded to Richmond, Va., to 
consult witli Gov. Beverly Randolph respecthig the payment of 
the $120,000 appropriated by the Commonwealth of Virginia 
towards the biiiJding of the Capital. On April 13 he wrote, 
informing- the commissioners that the Governor was willing 
to advance the money at earlier periods than agreed upon. 
On April 12 the commissioners held their first regular meet- 
ing at Georgetown. On x\pril 15 the initial or corner-stone 
of the lines of the Federal territory was formally planted in 
the presence of the three commissioners, Andrew Ellicott, 
the surveyor, and tlie Masons and many citizens of Alexan- 
dria. James Muir, the pastor of that Episcopal parish, deliv- 
ered a sermon. On June 29 a tinal settlement was etlected, 
by which the lands ceded to the Government were conveyed 
in trust to Thomas Beall, of George, and John M. Gantt, of 
Maryland, or their heirs, for the United States. The streets, 
squares, parcels, and lots were to be laid out, and conveyed 
by the trustees to the United States ; the residue of the land 
was to be divided equally. For their share the United States 
were to pay £25, or ^GQ 66f an a. The streets and squares 
went to the Government free. There were other stipulations 
respecting sales of lands and payment of indebtedness to the 
proprietors. They were also permitted to occupy the lands 
till required for public use. Owing to a disagreement, the 
streets and reservations were never conveyed to the commis- 
sioners. The law ofiicer of the Government and the Supreme 
Court of the United States, however, have decided that the 
United States have absolute control over them notwithstand- 
ing. An act of Maryland, Dec. 19, 1791, ratified the cession 
of its portion of the Federal territory, and designated certain 
powers and duties of the commissioners, who were also au- 
thorized to take possession, in the same proportion as agreed 
with the others, of lots in Hamburg and CarroUsburg. The 
inhabitants of Georgetown, who so requested, were to be in- 
cluded, provided tliej^ conformed to the general terms of 
the agreement, which they declined. 

The laying out of the city according to the plans prepared 
by L'Enfanl, which were approved by Washington in Aug., 
1791, was carried out under the direction of Andrew Ellicott, 
a native of Bucks county, Penn., a gentleman of fine attain- 
ments, and wlio had executed a number of important sur- 
veys. He was born in 1754, and died at West Point in 1820. 

The first step was the establishment of the "meridian 
line" through the site of the Capitol, and the E. and W, in- 
tersecting line, which were to form the basis of the execution 
of the entire plan. At a meeting of the commissioners on 
Sept. 8, 1791, certain regulations were prescribed in regai-d 



■240 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

to the erection of private buildings, and the present names of 
the city and District and designation of the streets were 
adopted. The first public sale of lots, of which the Govern- 
ment had 10,136, took place at Georgetown on Oct. 17, 1791. 
A large number of purchasers were present from all parts of 
the country, and the prices paid ranged from $26 66 to $306 59, 
During the .summer and autumn of 1791 the commissioners 
also made preparations for the commencement of work early 
in the following spring. Contracts for building material and 
food were awarded, and a freestone quarry on Higgington's 
island, 40 m. below the city, was purchased. 

The President's House was the first of the public buildings 
commenced. An historical sketch of each of the public 
buildings will be found, with their description, in the HAND- 
BOOK. 

The building of the city, as might be expected, attracted a 
number of that class of persons who, though poor in means, 
were still rich in schemes. Among the earliest was one 
Samuel Blodgett, who appeared on the scene as an applicant for 
permission to build an entire street, which was gi-anted. After 
considerable planning and negotiating, the enterprise was 
abandoned, the commissioners having no funds to spare, and 
Blodgett's being all in anticipation. Undaunted, however, 
the same person undertook the erection of a great hotel, the 
funds for which were to be raised by lottery, the hotel being 
the first prize. The building was partly erected, and was 
drawn by a person without means to complete it. It re- 
mained unfinished till purchased, years after, by the Govern- 
ment for the Post and Patent Offices. 

In 1793, the commissioners entered into an agreement 
with Kobert Morris and James Greenleaf for the sale of 6,000 
lots, at $80 a lot, payable in seven annual installments, with- 
out interest, they obliging themselves to erect, in 1794, and 
ainiually for six years, twenty brick houses, two stories high. 
The above two and John Nicholson bound tliemselves to ful- 
fill the contract. The parties failed to comply with any por- 
tion of the contract, which led to the serious embarrassment 
of the commissioners. 

One of the great obstacles in the way of the commission- 
ers in the beginning was the scarcitj^ of skilled workmen. 
Agents were sent to the northern cities, and some importa- 
tions were made fi'om abroad. The slaves from the adjacent 
plantations were almost exclusively employed as laborers. 

In 1796, Congress authorized the commissioners, under 
the direction of the President, to borrow $300,000, and, at 
the same time, assumed a supervision of the affairs of the 
city, requiring the commissioners to report their operations 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 241 

semi-annually to the Secretary of the Treasury. Meeting 
with no success in negotiating their loan in Holland, whence 
the first application of the commissioners was made, the As- 
sembly of Maryland came to their rescue by granting them 
a loan of $100,000. 

The election of John Adams at first excited some solicitude 
on tlie part of the friends of tlie Federal city, in considera- 
tion of the opposition to the selection of tlie Potomac site 
shown by the New England States in the discussion and vote 
in Congress in 1790. The President, however, gave assur- 
ance of a determination to carry out the views of his prede- 
cessor. 

In 1799, after a long discussion, Congress voted another 
$100,000 to the commissioners, which amount was also ad- 
vanced by the State of Maryland. The next year $50,000 
was obtained from the same source, on the personal security 
of the commissioners. 

In February, 1800, they executed the papers necessary to 
the security of all the loans or advances to the citj^, both 
from the State of Maryland and the National Government, 
amounting to $300,000,' exclusive of the last loan of $50,000. 
For that 'pLirpose thej'- pledged all the property in the city 
sold or contracted for before'that time, and upon which pay- 
ments had not been made. The land acquired or purchased 
for the United States and j'-et unsold, exclusive of lots for- 
feited for non-payment of purchase money and then liable to 
be sold, amounted to 4,682 lots and 2,043 ft. frontage on 
navigable water, valued at $884,750. The debt was $144,125, 
and contracted for on the credit of the above funds of $360,- 
881. The N. wing of the Capitol, the President's House, 
and War and Treasury Offices, the first commenced in 1797, 
were ready for occupation. A number of dwellings had 
been erected by private parties in the vicinity of the Capitol, 
President's House, and Greenleaf's Point. Pennsylvania 
av., the thoroughfare from the Capitol to the President's 
House, was ditched. Other avenues and streets connecting 
the widely-scattered parts of the city were also opened. The 
reservations around the Capitol and President's House were 
planted. A turnpike was also opened to Baltimore. Suita- 
ble provisions having been made by act of Congress dated 
April 24, ^800, the archives of the Government ^^'ere con- 
veyed to Washington. The Executive and oflices were 
transferred at the same time. On November 21 Congress 
commenced its sessions in the N. wing of the Capitol. Con- 
gress assumed jurisdiction over the District of Columbia in 
1801, and declared that the laws of Virginia and Maryland 
lb' 



242 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

should continue respectively in force in the portions of the 
District ceded by those States. 

In 1802 the Board of Commissioners was abolished and 
succeeded by a superintendent, Thomas Munroe, who was re- 
quired to settle up all accounts, and to sell a sufficient number 
of the lots pledged for the repayment of the loan of $200,000 
from the State of Maryland, so as to meet all obligations of 
interest and installments. In event of an unwarran^table sac- 
rifice of the property to meet these demands, the sale was to 
cease, and the balance was to be paid out of the Treasury of 
the United States. Lots not paid for were also to be sold to 
meet the loan of $50,000 from tlie State of Maryland, or, if 
not sufficient, the residue was to be paid out of the Treasury. 

Mayors of Washington. — 1802, Robert Brent ; 1812, Daniel 
Rapine ; 1813, James H. Blake ; 1817, Benjamin G. Orr ; 1819, 
Samuel M. Smallwood; 1822, T. Carberry; 1824, Roger C. 
Weightman; 1827, Joseph Gales, jr.; 1830, John P. Van 
Xess; 1834, W. A. Bradley; 1836, Peter Force ; 1840, W. W. 
Seaton ; 1850, AValter Lenox ; 1852, John W. Maury ; 1854, 
John T. Towers ; 1856, W. B. Magruder ; 1858, J. G. Ber- 
rett ; 1862, Richard Wallach ; 1868, S. J. Bowen ; 1870, M. G. 
Emerj^ 

Governors of the District of Columbia. — 1871, Henry D. 
Cooke ; 1873, A. R. Sliepherd. 

On May 3, 1802, the municipal government was created by 
Congress, to consist of a mayor and council. Congress re- 
served supreme jurisdiction. The affairs of the county, and 
the construction of roads outside the city, were intrusted to 
a board Ivnown as the \q,\j court. On Feb. 21, 1871, the ter- 
ritorial form of government was substituted. 

The most important event in tlie history of the Capital 
since its foundation was the occupation by the British. The 
President (Madison) and the Cabinet, over-confident of the 
safety of the Capital, or the indisposition of tlie Biitish, who 
controlled the Chesapeake, to attack, had neglected to make 
suitable provisions for defense. As a consequence, about 
3.500 raw militia, hastily concentrated and badly handled, 
were suddenly called upon to confront the enemy, 4,000 
strong, at Bladensburg, 5 m. from the Capital, on August 
24, 1814. Commodore Barney, with a few hundred sailors 
and marines, and BealFs Maryland militia, made a stubborn 
resistance on the turnpike, but, unsupported by the rest of 
the troops, who had fled almost without a fight, fell back to 
the Capital, proposing to defend that point.' From here he 
was ordered to retire and take position behind Georgetown, 
leaving the city entirely defenseless. The American troops 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 243 

retreated towards Montgomery Court House, having beer 
preceded by the President and Cabinet and other prominent 
officers of the Government. Tiie total force of Americans 
available was 7,000 men, but through mismanagement, the 
incapacity of Gen. Winder, the commander, and tlie inter- 
ference of the President and Cabinet, especially the Secretary 
of "War, not more than half that number reached the field, 
and even then were outnumbered five to one on the points of 
attack. The whole British force which landed on the Puu- 
tuxent numbered 5,123 men, of which 4,500 men took part 
in the fight . The American loss was 26 killed and 51 wounded, 
and the British 150 killed and 300 wounded. 

At 8 p. m. on the day of the battle the enemy bivouacked 
on Capitol Hill. The Capitol, Library of Congress, Presi- 
dent's House, Arsenal, Treasury and War otflces, Long 
Bridge, and office of the National Intelligencer newspaper, 
were burned the same night, also some private buildings. 
The ISTavy Yard and frigate Columbia, on the stocks, and 
Argus, five barges, and two gunboats were destroyed by 
order of the Secretary of the Na^y. The explosion of pow- 
der in a well at the arsenal killed 15 and wounded 30 of the 
British. 

On the evening of August 25 the British evacuated the 
Capital. To use the words of One of the British officers, the 
retreat "was as cautious and stealthy and precipitate as was 
natural for a retreating army under such circumstances." 
On the retreat many died of fatigue or were taken prisoners 
by the cavalry harassing the rear. Neaily 200 of the dead 
left by the enemy were buried by the citizens. It was esti- 
mated that his aggregate loss was not less than 1,000 men. 

The enemy reached Benedict on the evening of August 29, 
and re-embarked the next day. 

The sight of the Capital in flames had aroused the inhab- 
itants of the surrounding country, who were being rallied by 
the Secretary of State, Sli*. Monroe. It was resolved to cat 
off the enemy's retreat to his ships. His haste, however, 
fi'ustrated these patriotic proceedings. 

When the question of the restoration of the public build- 
ings was under discussion, a long and bitter debate ensued, 
evincing not only a strong disposition to abandon the city, 
but a dangerous sectional feeling. For a time the most seri- 
ous consequences were threatened. Calmer counsels, how- 
ever, prevailed, and an appropriation of $500,000 was made 
for the repair or re-erection of the buildings on their old 
sites. Tlie estimated loss was $1,000,000. 

In 1846 that portion of the District lying on the west bank 
of the Potomac was retroceded to Virginia. In 1850 the sale 



244 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

of slaves was prohibited, and on April 16, 1862, slavery was 
abolished in the District. 

During the rebellion, 1861-65, the Capital had every ap- 
pearance of a vast fortress. It was the base of operations of 
mighty armies, called out for the defense of the Constitution 
and the Union. On the surrounding hills were military 
camps ; in the city were hospitals and stores ; and the ave- 
nues and streets were the daily scene of moving troops and 
trains. 

The infusion of a new element into the population of the 
Capital was one of the important results of the rebellion of 
1861-'65. It was not, however, till si decade later that a sys- 
tem of improvements on a grand scale were commenced. In 
that time the number of the inhabitants increased nearly 
fifty thousand. Congress, in the meantime, had dispossessed 
itself of the idea that a National Capital was a political conve- 
nience, instead of necessity. The ideas of Washington, Jeffer- 
son, and L'Enfant, after a sleep of more than three quarters 
of a century, are being realized. The grand avenues, broad 
streets, and beautiful parks are in keeping with the magni- 
ficence of the Capitol and tlie imposing proportions of the 
structures occupied by the various Executive Departments 
of the Government. Elegant residences, fine churches, 
commodious school-houses, and many public and private 
institutions have been erected. It must be admitted that tlie 
Capital is no longer a reflection upon the taste, culture, and 
liberality of the nation, and the least inviting of American 
cities. At the same rate of improvement, in ten years the 
Capital of the United States will be one of the most beauti- 
ful in the world. These gratifying results are unquestion- 
ably due to the interest and zeal of President Grant, and to 
the energy and courage of Governor Shepherd. 



INDEX. 



Adams,John, painting of, 123. 

Admiral's Office, 140. 

AgricuUure. Department of, 156; 

Grounds, 15G; Plant Houses, 156; 

Building, 157; Museum, 159; 

Hiistoryof. ]G1. 

District of Columbia, 11. 

Comniitte on. 114. 

Museum of, 159. 

Alexandria. 228; History of, 229; 

Waehin.Kton's Headqu'rs, 229; 
Christ Church, 229; National 
Cemetery, 229. 

Canal, 214, 229. 

Allegory, Brumidi's, 76. 
Altitude, mean, Washington, 15. 
Amusements, general, xiv. 
.A.nacostia river, 15, 49. 

Channel, 49. 

Analostaa Island, 214. 

Antiquities, European, 191. 

Aqueduct, 217; Distances, 217; Dis- 
tributing l\eservoir, 217; Re- 
ceiving. 217; Cabin John Bridge, 
218; Falls of the Potomac, 218. 

Georgetown, 214. 

Bridge, 5.'3, 214. 

Architects of the Capitol, 114. 

Area of Washington. 8. 

Arlington House. 215; National Cem- 

eiery, 215; Custis's Spring, 216. 

Armory. 196. 

Square, 38. 

Army, Headquarters of, 136. 

Army Medical Museum, 167. 

Arsenal, 172. 

Art, Corcoran Gallery of, 191. 

Associate Justices, list of, 89. 

Asylums— Naval Hospital, 202; Sol- 
diers' and Sailors' Orphans' 
Home, 2U2; Columbia Hospital 
for Women, and Lying-in, 202; 
Washington, 202; Louise Home, 
203; Providence, General, 203; 
Washington City Orphan, 203; 
Children's Hospital, 204; St. 
John's Hospital, 204: St. Ann's 
Infant, 204; St. Joseph's Male 
Orphan, 204; St. Vincent's Fe- 



Asylums — 

male Orphan, 204; Epiphany- 
Church Home, 204; Home for 
the aged, 205; Deaf and Dumb, 
225; Insane, 227. 

Attorneys General, list of, 155. 

Avenues, 24. 

Description of, 26. 

Improvement of, 25. 

Bache. A. D., grave of, 206. 
Baltimore and Potomac Bridge, 53» 
Baptism of Pocahontas, painting, 74. 
Basement, House of Reps., 113. 

N. wing, 104. 

Senate, 101. 

S. wing, 105. 

Battery and electric gas-lighting 

apparatus, 77- 
Battle Record room, 170. 
Benning's Bridge, 53. 
Benton, bust of, 97. 
Birds, 39. 
Bladensburg, 224; battle-field of, 

224; duelling ground at, 224;. 

Calvert mansion, 224. 

Battle of, 241. 

Board of Public Works, 9, 207. 

Boarding, viii. 

Boone in conflict with the Indians, 
relievo, 70. 

Booth, assassin, 173. 

Botanical Garden, site, 41 ; Grounds, 
41; Conservatories, 42; Botani- 
cal class room. 42; Joint Com- 
mittee on the Library, 42; Botan- 
ical collection, 42 ; Centre Build- 
ing or Uotunda, 43; East range 
and wing, 43; West range and 
wing, 44"; Superintendents, 45; 
History, 45. 

Botanj', District of Columbia, 12. 

Boundaries, Di.strict of Columbia, 6. 

Washington, 4. 

Boundary street, 30, 31. 

Bridges, 52; Long Bridge, 52; Navy- 
Yard, 53; Benning's, 53; Balti- 
more and Potomac Railroad, 63; 
Aqueduct, 53; Chain, 53; Penn- 
sylvania av., (Rock creek,) 63, 



(245) 



246 



INDEX. 



Bridges — 

214; M-st., 53; P-st., 53; James 
creek canal, 53; Culverts, 53; 
Uniontown,53; Cabin John, 218; 
Mountain Spring, 218. 

Bronze door, main, 67. 

Senate, 90. 

Staircases, 94, 109. 

Brown, General, grave of, 206. 

Cabin John Bridge, 218. 

Cabot, relievo of, 70, 

Canals, 50; Washington, 50; James 
creek, 50; Chesapeake and Ohio, 
213 ; Alexandria, 214, 229. 

Cannon captured, 172, 174. 

Capital, a virgin, 1 

Capitol, 56; Situation, 56; Street 
cars to, 57 ; Site of, 57 ; Ap- 
proaches, 57; Grounds, 58; Gen- 
eral exterior view of, 68 ; First 
terrace, 61 ; Fountain, CI ; Sec- 
ond terrace, 61 ; General exte- 
rior description, 62; Dome, 63; 
Statue of Freedom, 64 ; Porticos, 
65 ; Statuary, 65, 66 ; Main Bronze 
door, 67; Rotunda, 69; Relievos, 
70; Historical paintings, 70; 
Canopy of Rotunda, 76; Ascent 
of the Dome, 77 ; Battery and 
electric gas-lighting apparatus, 
77; Panoramic view of Wash- 
ington, 77; Library of the United 
States, 79; North win«, 87; N. 
or Senate Extension, 90; Stair- 
cases, 92, 94, 96; Galleries, 97; 
Senate Chamber, 99 ; Basement, 
100; Committee rooms, 101; 
Heating and ventilating, 103, 
114; N. wing basement, 104; 
Law Library, 104; Crypt, 104; 
Undercroft, 104; National Stat- 
uary Hall, 105; S. or House Ex- 
tension, 108; Staircases, 109 
Second floor, 112; Galleries, 112 
House of Representatives, 112 
Basement, 113; Com'tee rooms, 
114; Capitol police, 114; Archi- 
tects, 114; History, 114. 

Hill, 15,57. 

^— History of, 114. 

■ ' • Selection of site of, 17. 

* Street, E., N., S., 31. 

Cemeteries, Eastern and Western, 
(Holmead,) 205; Congressional, 
205; Arlington, (Military,) 216; 
Rock Creek, 223; Military, (Sol- 
diers' Home,) 223; Glenwood, 
224; Prospect Hill, 224; St. Ma- 
ry's, 224; Mt. Olivet, 226: Grace- 
land, 227; National, (Alexan 
dria,) 229. 

Ceremonies, xiv. 

Chain Bridge, 53. 



Chapultepec, storming of, painting, 

96. 

Chase, grave of, 212. 

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, 213. 

Chief Justices, busts of, 87. 

list of, 89. 

Childrens' Hospital, 204. 

Chronicle, The, 200. 

Church, Christ, Alexandria, 229. 

Rock Creek, 223. 

Churches, list of, xiii. 

Washington, 197. 

Circles, Washington, 39 ; 14th street, 
39; 13th street, 39; P street, 39. 

City Hall, 171. 

City Spring, 198. 

Claims, U. S. court of, 89. 

Clinton, George, statue of, 107. 

grave of, 205. 

Climate, District of Columbia, 13. 

College, Deaf Mute, 225. 

Georgetown, 213. 

Columbia Hospital for Women, 202. 

Institute, for the deaf and 

dumb, 225. 

Columbian University, 220. 

Columbus, relievo of, 70. 

Commissioners of Washington, 235. 

Committee Rooms — Senate — 101; 
Military Affairs, 102; Naval Af- 
fairs, 102; Indian, 102; Foreign 
Relations, 102; Judiciary, 102; 
Library, 102. 

House, 114 ; Agriculture, 114. 

Commerce, 50. 

Congress, 120. 

Continental, Presidents of, 119. 

Continental, Sessions of, 119. 

History of, 118. 

Congressional Library, (see Library 
oftheU. S.,)79. 

Connecticut av., 25-27. 

Conservatories, President's, 123. 

Constitution of the U. S., original, 
128. 

Ratification of, 119. 

Convent of the Visitation, 212. 

Copyrights, 86. 

Corcoran Gallery of Art, 189; Stat- 
uary, 191; Bronzes, 191; Anti- 
quities, 191; Paintings, 191. 

Corcoran, W. W., 192. 

Crawford, sculptor, bust of, 107. 

Crypt, the, 104. 

Culverts, 53. 

Deaf and Dumb Asylum, 225. 

Deaf Mute College, 225. 

Declaration of Independence, 148. 

Signing of, painting, 71. 

Defenses of Washington, 232. 

Delaware av., 24, 28. 

Department of State, 123 ; Treasury, 
131; War, 136; Navy, 140; Inte- 



INDEX. 



247 



Department of State— 

rior, 142; Post Office, 151; Jus- 
tice, 154; Agriculture, 156. 

Discovery of America, statue, 68. 

Discovery of the Mississippi River, 
painting, 75. 

Diytanees to Great Falls Potomac, 
217. 

Tables of, xix, 3. 

)istrietof Columbia— Geographical 
situation, 5; Boundaries, 6, 237; 
Political Divisions, 7; Govern- 
ment, 7; Finances, 9; Popula- 
tion, 9; Statistics, miscellane- 
ous. lU; Vital Statistics, 10; In- 
dustry and Wealth, 10; Agri- 
culture, 11; Topography, 11; 
Geology, 11; Botany, 12; Zoolo- 
gy, 12; Ornithology, 12; Ichthy- 
ology, 13; Herpetology, 13; 
Climate, 13. 

Government, 207; Governor's 

Office, 207; Hall of the Legisla- 
lative Assembly, 207; Board of 
Public Works, 207; Fire De- 
partment, 207; Metropolitan 
Police, 208; Jail, 208. 

Document Libraries, 97. 112. 
Dome, Capitol, 03; Ascent of, 77. 
Door, Main, House extension, 109. 
Dow. Lorenzo, grave of, 205. 
Downing, A. J., 39. 

Vase, 178. 

Drive, the. 29. 
Duddington Mansion, 210. 
Duelling Ground, 224. 
Easby's I'oint,49. 
Education, Bureau of, 142. 
Electric gas-light apparatus, 77. 
Elevations, Washington, 16. 
Ele\'-ator, 95. 

EUicott, Andrew, runs bounds, 6. 

marks the site of Capitol, 17. 

Embarkation of the Pilgrims, paint- 
ing, 75. 

Embellishments proposed, 17. 

Engineer's Office, 41. 

Environs of Washington — George- 
town, 211; Analostan Island, 
214; Arlington House and Na- 
tional Cemeteiy, 215; Fort 
Whipple, 210; Aqueduct and 
P'alls of the Potomac, 217; Kal- 
orama, 220; Meridian Hill, 220; 
Columbian University, 220; Way- 
land Seminary, 220; Howard 
University, 221; Soldiers' Home, 
221; Grave of L'Enfant, 222; 
Rock Creek Church and Ceme- 
tery, 223; National Cemetery, 
223; Glenwood Cemetery, 224; 
Bladensburg, 224; Columbia In- 
etitute for the Deaf and Dumb, 



Environs of Washington— 

and Deaf Mute College, 225 ; Mt. 
Olivet Cemetery, 220; Grace- 
land Cemetery, 227; Reform 
School, 227; Zoological Society, 
227; Government Hospital for 
the Insane, 227; Alexandria, 
228; Mount Vernon, 230; De- 
fenses of Washington, 232. 

Epiphany Church Home, 204. 

Etiquette, xiv. 

Executive av., 28. 

Buildings, 66. 

Mansion (See Presidt's House,) 

121. 

Offices, 124. 

the, 127. 

Extension of city, 52. 

House, Capitol, 108. 

Senate, 109. 

Farragut Square, 36. 

statute of, proposed, 46. 

Fillmore, portrait of, 123. 
Finances, District of Columbia, 9. 

Washington, 4. 

Fire Department, 207. 
Flags, captured, 137. 
Folding Room, Senate, 101. 
Foote, Fort, 230. 
Foreign Capitals, 5. 
Formalities, xiv. 
Fountains, 48. 
Franklin School, 201. 

Square, 37. 

statue of, 92. 

Fi-eedom, statue of, 04. 

Frescos — Rotunda, Canopy, 70; Sen- 
ate Reception Room, 03; Senate 
Post Office, 93; Presidts Room, 
95; Senate Basement, 101; Ful- 
ton, 101; Committee Rooms, 
Senate, 101 ; Military Affairs, 102; 
Naval Affairs, 102; Indian, 102; 
Foreign Relations, 102; Judici- 
ary, 102; Library, 102; Western 
Staircase, House, 109; Hall of 
House, 113; Agricultural Com- 
mittee Room, 114. 

Galleries, Senate, 97. 

House, 112. 

Gas, lighting the city, 45. 
General information, vii. 
Genius of America, statuary, 65. 
Geographical location, Wash'n, 2. 

situation, Dist. Columbia, 5. 

Geology, 11. 

Georgetown, 211; Oak Hill Ceme- 
tery, 211; High-service Reser- 
voir, 212; Conventof the Visita- 
tion, and Academy, 212; College, 
213; Chesapeake and Ohio Ca- 
nal, 213; Aqued't, 214; Wharves, 
214 ; Commerce, 214 ; Shad and 



248 



INDEX. 



Georgetown- 
Herring, 214; Rock C'k Bridge, 
214. 

Georgia av., 28. 

Gerry, El bridge, grave of, 205. 

Giesboro', 230. 

Glenwood Cemetery, 224. 

Government Dist. Columbia,?, 207. 

Washington, 4. 

Seat of established, 120, 235, 236, 

237. 

spring, 221. 

Government Printing Office, 168; 
Public Printers, 169; History, 
109. 

Governor's Office, 207. 

Governors list of, 241. 

Graceland Cemetery, 227. 

Green, General, statue of, 107. 

Halls— Masonic Temple, 198; Odd- 
Fellows', 198; Lincoln, 199; Wil- 
lards', 199. 

Hamilton, statue of, 107. 

Hancock, John, statue of, 96. 

Harbor, improvement of, 61. 

Potomac river, 48 ; Harbor, 49 ; 

Potomac channel, 49; Anacostia 
channel, 49; of Georgetown, 49; 
Main channel, 49. 

Heating and Ventilating Senate, 
103; House, 114; 

Herpetology, 13. 

Historic Relics, 148, 187. 

Historical Paintings— Rotunda, 70; 
Declaration of Independence, 
71 ; Surrender of Burgoyne, 71 ; 
Surrender of Cornwallis, 72; 
Resignation of General Wash- 
ington, 73; Baptism of Poca- 
hontas, 74; Discovery of the 
Mississippi River, 75; Landing 
of Columbus, 75; Embarkation 
of the Pilgrims, 75. 

Historical Retrospect, 55. 

Holmead Cemetery, 205. 

Home for the Aged, 205. 

Home, Soldiers', 221. 

Hospitals, (see Asylums,) 202; 

Hotels, vii. 

House of Representatives, 120; Hall 
of, 112 ; Speakers of, 121. 

Howard University, 221. 

Hunter, John, portrait, 167. 

Hydrographic Office, 140. 

Ichthyology, 13. 

II Penseroso, statue, 107. 

Indian Office, 142. 

Warrior, bronze, 109. 

Indiana av., 28. 

Initial stone of D. C, 229, 230. 

Insane Asylum, 227. 

Interior Department, 142; Bureaus, 
142; Secretary's Office, 142; In- 



Interior Department — 

dian Office, 142; Bureau of Ed- 
ucation, 142 , Survey of the Ter- 
ritories, 144; Secretaries, 144; 
The Department, 145. (See Pat- 
ent Office.) 

Secretaries, list of, 144. 

Jackson, statue of, 34. 

Jail, 200. 

Jefferson School. 201. 

statues of, 109, 122. 

Jones' Point, 230. 

Judiciary, The, 89. 

Square, 37. 

Justice, Department of, 154; Attor- 
ney General's Office, 154; Por- 
traits, 155; Attorneys General, 
155; The Department, 155; Bu- 
reaus, 155. 

Justice and History, statuary, 91. 

K street, 31. 

Kalorama, 220. 

Kearney, General, statue of, 107. 

Kentucky av.,25, 28. 

Kosciusko, bust of, 107. 

La Salle, relievo, 70. 

Ladies' Retiring Room, Senate, 99; 
House, 112. 

Lafayette Square, 34. 

portrait of, 113. 

Landing of Columbus, painting, 75. 
Landing of the Pilgrims, relievo, 70. 
Latitude, 2. 

Law Library, 86 ; Description of, 104. 
Legislative Hall, 207. 
L'En fan t. Plan of Washington, 16; 
origin of plan, 19. 

grave of, 222. 

Librarians of the United States, 83. 

Libraries, United States, 79; Con- 
gressional, (see United States,) 
79; Smithsonian, 81 ; Force, 81 
Jefferson, 84; Document, H. R, 
112; Odd Fellows', 199; Young 
Men's Christian Associat'n, 199 
Georgetown College, 213. 

Library of the United States, 79. 
Library Halls, 79 ; proposed new 
building, 79; Volumes, 80; Com- 
parison of libraries, foreign and 
home, 80; Collection of books, 
80; Smithsonian Library, 81; 
Force Library, 81; Rules of, 82; 
Document Libraries, 82; View, 
S3; Librarians, 83; History, 83; 
Jefferson Library, 84; Copy- 
rights, 86; Law Library, 86. 

Lincoln, painting of, 124. 

Assassination of, 166. 

Bust of, 107. 

Square, 38. 

Statue of, 107. 

proposed, 38. 



INDEX 



249 



Linooln Hall, 199; Free Reading 

Room. 199; Library, 199. 
Livingston, Statue of, 107. 
Lobbies, Senate, 94; House, lOD. 
Lodgings, vii. 
Long Bridge, 52. 
Longitude, 2. ^ 
Louise Home, 203. 
Louisiana av., 28. 

Lovel, Surg. General, portrait, 1G7. 
M-street Bridge, 53. 
Mace. 109, llsT 

Macomb, General, grave of, 206. 
Mails, the, xii. 
Maine av., 2S. 
Mall, the, 19. 
Magazines, 177. 
Marble room, 94. 
Marine barracks, 176. 
Markets, 209; Centre, 209; Eastern, 

- 209; Western, 209; Northern. 

■ 209. 
Maryland av., 25, 27. 
Masonic Temple, 198. 
Mason's Island, 21-4. 
Massachusetts av., 21, 27. 
Mayors of Washington, 241. 
Meridian, first U. S., IGG. 

Hill, 220. 

Missouri av., 28. 

Monument, Washington Nat'l, 192. 

Morton, Dr , painting, 1G7. 

Mount Olivet Cemetery, 226. 

Mount Vernon, 230; the Vault, 230; 
the Mansion, 230; Ladies' As- 
ciation, 231. 

— - Place, 37. 

Mountain Spring Bridge, 218. 

Museum, Agricultural, 159; Army 
Meiiieai, 167; Ordnance, 170; 
■ Naval, 174; National, 181; Cor- 
coran Gallery of Art, 191. 

Nautical Almanac, 141. 

Naval Hospital. 202 

Observatorj', 1G3; Site, 163; De- 
scription, 163 ; Instruments, 164 ; 
Superintendents, 164; History, 
165. 

Navy Department, 149; Secretary's 
office. 140; Admiral's office, 140; 
Hydrographic office, 140; Nau- 
tical Almanac. 141; Secretaries, 
141 ; the Department, 141. 

Secretaries, list of, 141. 

Yard. 174; captured cannon. 

174; Buildings, 174; Museum, 
174; History, 175. 

Bridge. 53. 

Neale, Archbishop, grave of, 212. 

New Hampshire av., 28. 

New Jersej^ av., 25, 28. 

New York av., 25, 27. 

Newspaper offices, 199; National 



Newspaper office.^ — 

Republican, 200; Chronicle, 200 ; 
Evening Star. 200. 

Nortii Carolina av., 25, 28. 

Oak Hill Cemeterj% 211. 

Observatorv, Naval, 163. 

Octagon, The, 126, 140. 

Odd-Fellows' Hall, 198; Library, 199. 

Official Reporters' room. Senate, 
92; House, 109. 

Ohio av., 2S. 

C)rdnance office, 170; Museum, 170. 

Ornamental gardening, 39. 

Ornithology, 12. 

P-street Bridge, 53. 

Paintings, Historical, Rotunda, 70; 
Perry's Victory on L.Erie, 92; 
Peale's Washington, 94; Storm- 
ing of Chepultepec, 96; Grand 
Canon of the Yellowstone, 107; 
Gen. Scott, 109; Westward Ho, 
109; John Adanis, 123: Van Bu- 
ren, 123; Tyler, 123; Polk, 123; 
Fillmore, 123; Pierce, 123; 
Washington. 124; Lincoln, 124; 
Portraits of Secretaries of War, 
136 ; Portraits of Attoi-neys Gen- 
eral, 155; Lovel, 167; Hunter, 
167; Morton, 167; Physic, 167; 
Corcoran Gallery, 191; Wash- 
ington before Yorktown, 231. 

Parking, 32. 

Pa,rks,('see Reservations and Sq'rs.) 

Patent Office, 145; Description of, 
14(i; Model Rooms, 147; His- 
toric Relics, 148; Models, 149; 
History, 150. 

Peace, statue, 66. 

Penitentiary, 173. 

Pennsylvania av., 25, 26. 

Penn, W., conference with Indians, 
relievo. 70. 

Perry's Victory on Lake Erie, paint- 
ing, 92. 

Physic, Dr., portrait, 167. 

Pierce, portrait, 123. 

Places of Historical Interest, 210. 

Plan of Washington, Hi ; Origin of, 
19 ; Execution of, 17. 

Plant Houses, 157. 

Pneumatic Tube, 103. 

Pocahontas saving life of Smith, re- 
lievo, 70. 

Police, Metropolitan, 208; Capitol, 
114. 

Political Divisions D. C, 7. 

Polk, portrait, 123. 

Population, District, 9. 

Washington, 4. 

Postage, rates of, xiii. 

Postmasters General, list of, 154. 

Post Office, City, xii, 153. 

Senate, 93. 



250 



INDEX. 



Post Office, General, 151; Descrip- 
tion, 151 ; Postmaster General's 
Office, 153 ; City Post Office. 153 ; 
History of building, 153; Post- 
masters General, 154; The De- 
par tmenti 154. 

Potomac, Falls of, 217, 218. 

the drive to, 217. 

River, 48. 

Presidents, list of, 127. 
President's House, 121; Grounds, 

122; Conservatories, 123; Sla- 
bles, 123; Description, Exterior, 
123; Interior, 123; History, 125; 
Presidents, 127; The Execu- 
tive, 127. 

President's Room, Capitol, 95. 

Progress of Civilization, statuary, 66. 

Propogating Garden, 41. 

Prospect Hill Cemetery, 224. 

Providence General Hospital, 203. 

Public Printers, list of, 169. 

Quarters, 30, 32. 

Railroads, viii, 54. 

Raleigh, relievo, 70. 

Rates of Postage, xiii. 

Rawlins Square, 37. 

statue of, proposed, 46. 

Reading Room, Free, 199. 

Reception Room, Senate, 93. 

Refectory, Senate, 92; House, 113. 

Reform School, 227. 

Relievos — Fame and Peace, 66; Co- 
lumbus, Cabot, Raleigh, and La 
Salle, 70 r Landing of the Pil- 
grims. 70; Pocahontas saving 
the life of Captain Smith, 70; 
William Penn in conference 
with the Indians, 70; Daniel 
Boone in conflict with the In- 
dians, 70 ; Allegories, in oil, 93 ; 
Fidelity, Steam, and Electri- 
city, 153. 

Reporters' Gallery, Senate, 99; 
House, 112. 

Reporters' Rooms, Senate, 97 ; 
House. 112. 

Representation in Congress, 120. 

Representatives, Hall of, 112; Old 
Hall, 105. 

Speakers of House of, 121. 

Republican. The, 200. 

Reservations, 21. 

Reservoir — see Aqueduct; 217. 

■■ High Service. 212. 

Resignation of Washington, paint- 
ing, 73. 

Restaurants, viii. 

Retrospect, 20. 

Revolution, allegory, 76. 

Rhode Island av., 28. 

Rock Creek, 15. 

Bridge, 53, 214. 



Rock Creek Church and Cemetery, 
223. 

Rotunda, 69 ; Statuary, 70 ; Relievos, 
70; Historical paintings, 70-75; 
Canopy, 76; Allegory, 76; As- 
cent of the Dome, 77. 

School, Reform, 227. 

Franklin, 201 ; Seaton, 201 ; Wal- 

lach, 201; Jefferson, 201. 

Colored, 201; Sumner, 201. 

History of, 201. 

Scott Square, 35. 

Winfield, painting, 109. 

Statue of, 36. 

Seaton School, 201. 

Seminary, Wayland, 220. 

Senate, 120. 

Chantiber, 99. 

Presidents of, 120. 

Sergeant-at- Arms, Senate, Room of, 
93 ; House, 109. 

Settlement of America, statue of, 66. 

Sewers, 32 ; Georgetown, 32 ; Slash 
Run, 32-34; Intermediate sec- 
tion, 33; B St. intercepting, 33; 
Tiber basin, 33. 

Sherman, Roger, statue of, 107. 

Signal Office, 137; Instrumeat 
room, 137. 

Sixteenth st., 31. 

Scott Statue, 36. 

Smithsonian Inst'n, 178; Grounds, 
178; Downing Vase, 178; De- 
scription of building, 179; Ob- 
jects, 180; National Museum, 181; 
Main Hall, 182; Gothic Hall, 183; 
West Hall, 184; South Vestibule, 
185: Ethnological Hall,180; Sec- 
retaries, 187; History, 187. 

Soil, 10. 

Soldiers' Home, 221. ' 

Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, 
202. 

South Carolina av., 28. 

Speakers House Representatives, 
120- 

Gallery of, 109. 

Room, 109. 

Squares— Lafayette, 34; Scott, 35; 
Farragut, 36; Sixteenth street, 
(Scott Statue.) 36; Franklin, 37; 
Judiciary, 37; Rawlins, 37; Mt. 
Vernon Place, 37; Circus I ot,3S; 
Armory, 38; Lincoln, 38; Stan- 
ton Place, 38. 

St. Ann's Infant Asylum, 204. 

St. John's Hospital, 204. 

St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum, 
204. 

St. Vincent's Female Orphan Asj'^ 
lum,204. 

Stables, President's, 123. 

Staircases, Senate, E., 92; W., 96; 



INDEX. 



251 



private, 94; House, E., 109; W., 
109 ; private, 109. 

Stanton, grave of, 212. 

Stanton Place, 38. 

Star, The Evening, 200. 

State, Department of, 128 ; Archives, 
128; State, War, and Navy De- 
partment, 128 ; Secretaries, 129 ; 
History, 130; Bureaus, 130. 

Secretaries of, 129. 

State, War, and Navy Department, 
129. 

Statistics, District, 10; Vital, 10; In- 
dustry and Wealth, 10. 

Washington, 5. 

Statuary — Genius of America, 65; 
Discovery of America, 66 ; First 
Settlem't of America, 66; Peace, 
66 ; War, 66 ; Progress of Civili- 
zation in the United States, 06; 
Chief Justices, 87; Justice and 
History, 91; Franklin, 92; Han- 
cock, 96; Benton, 97; Gen. Green, 
107; Roger Williams, 107; Jona- 
than Trumbull, 107 ; Roger Sher- 
man, 107 ; George Clinton, 107; 
Edward Livingston, 107; Rich- 
ard Stockton, 107; General Kear- 
ney, 107; General Washington, 
107; Abraham Lincoln, 107; Kos- 
ciusko, 107 ; Crawfoi'd, the Sculp- 
tor, 107; Alexander Hamilton, 
107; Abraham Lincoln, 107; II 
Penseroso, 107; Jefferson, 109; 
Corcoran Gallery, 191. 

Statuary Hall, 105. 

Statues, 46; Greenough's Washing- 
ington, 59 ; Jefferson, 122; Jack- 
son, 34 ; Mills's Washington, 39 ; 
Scott, 36; Lincoln, propose', 
38; Farragut, proposed, 36; Raw- 
lins, proposed, 37; Lincoln, 172. 

Steamers, ix. 

Stockton, statue of, 107. 

Street Cars, ix. 

Street Railways, 54. 

Streets, 30. 

renomenclature, 31. 

Sub-ba.«ement, Senate, 103; House, 
114. 

Sumner School, 201. 

Superintendents Naval Observato- 
ry, 164. 

Supreme Court of the United States, 
87; Chamber, 87; Busts of Chief 
Justices, 87 ; Sessions of, 88; the 
Chamber when occupied by the 
Senate, 88; Chief Justices, 89; 
Associates, 89; The Judiciary, 
89. 

Surratt, Mrs., grave of, 226. 

Surrender of Burgoyne, paint'g, 71. 



Surrender of Cornwallis, painting, 

72. 
Telegraph, 54. 

Offices, xiii. 

Official, Senate, 103; House, 109. 

Press, Senate, 99; House, 112. 

Tennessee av., 25, 28. 
Territorial buildings, 207. 
Territories, Survey of the, 144. 
Theatres, xiv. 

Tiber, 16. 

Time, difference of, xix. 

Topography, District, 11. 

Washington, 15. 

Treasury Department, description, 
131 ; Secretary's room, 133 ; Cash 
room, 133; Vaults, 133; Count- 
ing the currency, 133 ; Bureaus, 
134; Photograph office, 134; 
Coast Survey, 135; Secretaries, 
135; History, 1.35. 

Secretaries of the, 135. 

Triangles, 39. 

Trumbull, Jonathan, statue of, 107. 

Tyler, John, portrait, 123. 

Undercroft, The, 104. 

University, Columbian, 220; How- 
ard, 221. 

Uniontown, 230. 

Van Buren, portrait of, 123. 

Van Ness mansion, 210; Ware- 
house, 210. 

Vault or Undercroft, 104. 

Senate, 103; House, 114. 

Vehicles for hire, xii. 
Vermont av., 25, 27. 
Vestibule, Senate, 91 ; House, 109. 
Vice Presidents U. S., list of, 120. 
Vice President's room, 94. 

View, panoramic, of Washington, 77. 

Views of Washington, 15. 

Virginia av., 28. 

Waliach School, 201. 

War Department, 136; Secretaiy's 
office, 136; Gallery of portraits, 
136 ; Headquarters of the Army, 
136; Flag room, 137; Signal 
office, 137; Instrument room, 
137; the service, 138; Secreta- 
ries, 139; the Department, 139. 

Secretaries of, gallery of, 136. 

Secretaries of, list of, 138. 

Statue of, 66. 

Washington Asylum, 202. 

Defenses of, 232. 

Distances from, xix. 

Fort, 230. 

Washington city a virgin Capital, 1; 
Geographical location, 2; Se- 
lection of site, 2; Distances, 3; 
Area, 3; Government, 4; Finan- 
ces, 4; Population, 4; Statistics, 
5 ; Foreign Capitals, 5, • 



=/- 



F 
252 




INDEX. 



Washington city, History of, 234; 

Commissioners, 285; Mayors, 

241 ; Governors, 241. 

Orphan Asylum, 203. 

Washington, Geo., portraits, Peale's, 

94; Vanderlvn,113; Stuart, 124; 

Teale, 183, 231. 
Washington, Geo, commission of, 

128. 
Washington, Geo., statue of, Green- 

ough, 59; Mills, 39; Iloudon's 

copy of, 107; early statue pro- 
posed 18. 

: Tomb of, 230. 

— — Martha, grave of, 230. 
Washington National Monument, 

192; Grounds, 192; Design, 192; 

Description, 195; Lapidarium, 

190 ; History, 196. 
Water supply, 46; Early schemes, 



Water supply — 

47; Aqueduct. 217; Experimen- 
tal surveys, 218. 

Wayland Seminary, 220. 

Westward Ho, 109. 

Wharves, 50. 

Georgetown, 214. 

Whipple, Fort, 216. 

White House-see Prest's House, 121. 

Williams, Roger, statue of, 107. 

Winder's Building, 170. 

Wirt, Wm., residence of, 210; grave 
of, 2UG. 

Wirz, execution of, 173; grave of, 
226. 

Yellowstone, Grand Canon of, paint- 
ing. 107. 

Young Men's Christian Ass'n, 199. 

Zoological Society, 227. 

Zoolog}', District, 12, 



; 



I 



